Herbal medicines could be forced off shelves

Healthcare News
31/10/2005
Herbal medicines used by thousands of elderly people throughout the UK could be forced off shelves thanks to a new European directive.

Popular herbal medicines used by hundreds of elderly consumers across the UK could be banned because of the new European Union Directive, health campaigners have warned.

Coming into effect this week, the directive was developed to make sure natural products sold over the counter were safe.

However, critics are warning that smaller companies, which manufacture these products, could be forced out of business because the new laws require expensive proof of testing and safety before a license can be issued.

Before the legislation these products were exempt from licensing.

Sue Croft of Consumers for Health Choice told the Telegraph the directive would mean the end for some of the most effective herbal remedies on the market.

"The directive lays down unduly onerous burdens on industry, for smaller businesses in particular, and jeopardises the future of many safe, popular and effective herbal remedies," she said.

Ms Croft also said that, while heavy handed on manufacturers, the directive failed to include herbalists.

She told the Telegraph that while "standards are to be imposed on the manufacturers and health food shops, herbalists can carry on making up bespoke remedies in their kitchen".

Manufacturers will have until 2011 to become directive compliant.