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Extensive scientific research has so far
failed to find a cure for the common cold. At some stage in our lives we
have all relied on traditional cures such lemon tea, steam inhalation with
eucalyptus oil and menthol, a stiff brandy or a special grandma's recipe
with honey. In every chemist and supermarket there is a wide range of
medication, including homeopathic products, to relieve our symptoms.
Currently in Britain, there are no specific
safeguards on the quality and safety of unlicensed herbal medicines,
anyone can buy these products from unregistered shops. The labels neither
declare potential adverse reactions nor interactions with other medication
or food. Millions of people, especially the elderly, have used homeopathic
products such as St. John's Wort, Echinacea and Rescue Remedy for many
years. So far, there has not been any evidence of serious consequences to
warrant any specific legislation. However, with widening global trade and
a rise in untested suppliers, there has been a need to review the
legislation to enhance public safety without denying easy and affordable
access.
While there are cultural differences in the
way Europeans self-treat minor ailments, the European Commission has tried
to formulate legislation to 'harmonise' the production, distribution, and
sale of homeopathic medicines across the 15 member states of the European
Union. The original Commission proposal threatened to remove from the
market those traditional herbal medicines which have been available for
less than 30 years. In a plenary vote last month, the European Parliament
successfully amended the Commission proposal, clarifying that products
which had been on the market for a minimum of 15 years could continue to
be sold in member states without the need for registration. All other
products will require registration to ensure that labelling reflects
accurately the ingredients, adverse reactions and possible interactions
with food, drink and other commonly used medicines. The EU Directive also
allows each government of the European Union, under the subsidiarity
principle, to specify additional requirements to suit their local
conditions.
I, supported by my Conservative colleagues,
have been actively involved in the Parliament's Industry Committee to help
formulate EU policy in this field,
pressing for
maximum consumer choice consistent with health protection. It is essential
to ensure that the British people, who have benefited from use of a wide
range of safe products, can continue to access them without additional
hassle and extra cost. It is equally important to protect the public from
unsound, untested products that can cause serious side effects. The
amendments we were able to secure in the European Parliament are excellent
news for constituents across West Suffolk. The threat to remove herbal
remedies from our shelves has been avoided and we can continue to buy and
use well known products that have enjoyed a safe history in Britain for
years.
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