asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the current status of, and what outcome they anticipate on, European Union legislative proposals which concern (a) food supplements;(b) herbal medicines; and (c) any other area of alternative medicine.[HL6798]

The Food Supplements Directive was agreed in July 2002 and has applied in full since 1 August 2005. The directive includes provisions for setting maximum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements, and the European Commission has indicated that it will publish proposals for these within two years for discussion with member states.

There are no current proposals from the European Commission for legislation specifically relating to herbal medicinal products or other areas of complementary or alternative medicine.