Critics raise concerns over the unsophisticated nature of dietary supplements
Article:
Consumer advocates express concern over consumer naiveté regarding the safety and adequacy of monitoring for dietary supplements. A study by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations reveals that many consumers purchase such products without proper consideration.
The dietary supplement industry is a significant business, yet consumers rarely scrutinize the safety and research behind these products. Consumers often perceive these supplements as safe and well-researched, according to the study obtained by "Süddeutsche Zeitung" and set to be published on Wednesday. In advertising, particularly on social media, these products are sometimes promoted with unauthorized health claims, warns Jochen Geilenkirchen, head of the food team at the Federation of German Consumer Organisations.
Consumer awareness of the risks associated with dietary supplements and their effectiveness is often lacking, the study finds. About one in five respondents consider dietary supplements an integral part of a healthy diet. Nearly half wrongly assume that these products are tested for health safety before they reach the market. Approximately four in ten respondents expect that there are legal maximum limits for dietary supplement ingredients, yet this is not the case.
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations criticizes consumers' presumption of dietary supplements as a form of natural medicine, as they are legally classified as food and do not undergo stringent approval tests. They call upon politics to strengthen food monitoring and protect consumers from misleading advertising promises. The federal government is urged to push for an approval procedure at the EU level, as demanded by consumer advocates.
Regarding food safety regulations in the EU, the European Union has stringent regulations focused on ensuring the safety and correct labeling of dietary supplements. These regulations encompass safety, labeling, regulatory frameworks, and authorization and claims. The European Food Safety Authority plays a significant role in evaluating the safety of dietary supplements, with specific regulatory frameworks often guided by broader food law principles. The EU regulates health claims on food labels, including those for dietary supplements, under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, requiring scientific evidence to support any health claims made on product labels.
While specific campaigns pushing for stricter regulations are not detailed in the available search results, consumer advocacy groups generally aim to enhance safety and transparency in the dietary supplement market. They advocate for enhanced transparency, strengthened safety assessments, and clearer guidelines and enforcement to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
- The Federation of German Consumer Organisations, in their criticism of the assumption that dietary supplements are a form of natural medicine, emphasizes the need for community policy and stricter regulations at both national and EU levels, particularly in the areas of supplement safety, labeling, and advertising, to protect consumers from misinformation and promote health-and-wellness through education and vocational training on nutrition and science.
- As concerns regarding the safety and adequacy of monitoring continue to rise within the dietary supplement industry, it is essential to consider the potential benefits of science-based vocational training programs in education, with a focus on nutrition and health-and-wellness, to empower consumers with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their dietary supplement choices, thus promoting a safe and sustainable industry.
