Graham Watson MEP

Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar

A local champion with an international reputation

Get Email Updates

From time to time we send out email updates to keep you informed of the work we are doing - you can sign up to receive a copy of our messages here

Home | News | Lib Dem Euro-MP demands European Commission use common sense on health claims

Lib Dem Euro-MP demands European Commission use common sense on health claims

Published on Wednesday 16th May 2012

South West Liberal Democrat MEP Sir Graham Watson has added his name to an urgent request to European Commissioner for health and consumer policy John Dalli to reconsider its expected rejection of hundreds of common sense health claims on food and food supplements.

Graham commented:

"Having spoken to businesses in the food supplements industry, including a number here in the South West, it is crucial the European Commission uses common sense when approving or rejecting health claims on food products."

"The European Food Safety Authority - which is also under fire for an alleged 'revolving door' with the pharmaceutical and chemical industries - has not properly implemented the EU's health claims law as passed by Euro-MPs and governments."

"EFSA has subjected food products such as prunes and yoghurt to pharmaceutical-style assessments meant for powerful prescription medicines - that makes no sense and is against the guidelines set out in the law."

"Making these products jump through unnecessary hoops is pointless and could cost the industry, mainly small and medium sized businesses, 13,300 jobs EU-wide."