New Herbal Medicine Laws Nov02

Plans to introduce new standards and safety checks for herbal medicines across the EU were agreed today in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The first stages of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive were voted through the European Parliament, with MEPs overwhelmingly backing numerous Conservative amendments, which enforce essential consumer rights. The Directive, if agreed, introduces basic safety checks to ensure consistent quality and safety standards and a registration scheme.

Speaking from Strasbourg after the vote, Bashir Khanbhai MEP for Eastern Region said:

"Following our amendments, products already on the market will be safeguarded which should ease the concerns many of my constituents have expressed over the past few months.

"The UK herbal industry and consumers will benefit from these positive agreements as our amendments also open the door to allow small firms to continue innovating and developing new products in this market.

"As a qualified Pharmacist, I will be continuing to fight to ensure this legislation remains balanced and reasonable in terms of both health protection and consumer choice."

ENDS