Fwd: An update from Consumers for Health Choice

[Guest guest]

From: info@...To: Mum231asd@...Sent: 03/01/2012 14:07:24 GMT Standard TimeSubj: An update from Consumers for Health Choice

1st January 2012

To our friends and supporters,

BRUSSELS UNDER INCREASING PRESSURE TO SET DOSE LEVELS ~Big Money being invested in push for low levels for Vitamins & Minerals

The major uncertainty with the Food Supplements Directive (FSD) has always been the setting of Maximum Permitted Levels (MPLs). We all know that this part of the Directive (Article 5) has the potential to destroy the British market in food supplements, which is why with your help we have successfully fought hard for so many years to hold back the legislation.

Things have changed since I last wrote to you at the beginning of November.

At the beginning of December a major industry conference was held in Berlin. Titled 'The Regulation of Food Supplements in Europe; How Much is Harmonisation Needed' the event was attended by delegates from many Member States. There were calls for the immediate setting of MPLs, particularly from determined French and German officials. Such a move at this time would spell disaster for all food supplements users – the majority of MEPs who will vote on this issue have demonstrated time and again that they really don't understand the Directive or the potential consequences for consumers.

On a slightly lighter note, we understand that a senior Commission official has blamed the Save-our-Supplements campaign as a reason why MPLs have not been set. Other reasons suggested those who actually wanted MPLs to be set have failed to press their case – also that with media reports strongly in favour of our campaign, the Commissioner sidelined progress some time ago. While that is nice to hear, it does not help us. We need a whole new bag of tricks to work our magic now!

Britain stands alone ~ not a comfortable place to be I can assure you. We are the only consumer organisation fighting against the proposals. It has not helped us that some MEPs, even British MEPs have joined in the pressure on the Commission to set levels by tabling a number of unhelpful questions the request of major global supplements suppliers who are more interested in achieving market harmonisation than in protecting the availability of higher potency supplements. It is clear that we face a huge weight of opposition to our views; the very fact that this conference was held at all suggests big money is being invested once again by global players to get harmonisation at all costs.

So what can we do?

First, we must turn up the heat on the Minister for Health, Anne Milton MP. Unless I am very much mistaken, she has not met with Commissioner Dalli since October 2010 and has not pressed the British case with the expected determination. Also, it seems the UK government has formed no political allies with other Member States governments, something that must be addressed urgently. High level promises were made to us – we must make sure they are kept.

Second, we must spend more time in Brussels and convince those MEPs who will actually vote on this legislation that the 'one size fits all' approach to health is unworkable; that supplements are safe and effective and have been used for decades in the UK and across Europe. Last month I mentioned that Giles Chichester MEP has agreed to sponsor an event in the European Parliament next Spring for CHC to better inform MEPs about MPLs. This will afford us a good opportunity to again brief a number of MEPs of various nationalities on the details and implications of FSD and to try to gain their support. Timing is all important and we are seeking dates in April, May and June 2012. That should give us time to raise the required funds, bring other European supporters together and produce materials that will make a lasting impact.

So, our work continues. Please help us once more by making a small donation? Thank you.

Finally, here are a few suggestions as to how you and others can continue to help.

Your friends and family, all consumers, retailers, practitioners and everyone you know all have an important part to play and I urge you once again to please seek their support.

1. Have your family and your friends signed our Petition? Please encourage them to add their names if not. www.consumersforhealthchoice.com/phpPETITION/

2. Can you join those already generous consumers by making a donation to keep the campaign going and help with the Brussels event please? Any amount you can manage will help make a difference. Thank you. The on-line donation system is quick, simple and safe. www.consumersforhealthchoice.com/donate.htm

3. Finally, please forward this note to your own E-contacts, both in the UK and Europe, asking them to also take action as we have suggested. Writing to their own MEPs would also be very helpful.

Thank you again so very much for anything you can give and for everything you are doing. Things really are at a critical stage and I know you understand how very important this is.

Please accept my very best wishes for 2012.

[Guest guest]

From: info@...To: Mum231asd@...Sent: 03/01/2012 14:07:24 GMT Standard TimeSubj: An update from Consumers for Health Choice

1st January 2012

To our friends and supporters,

BRUSSELS UNDER INCREASING PRESSURE TO SET DOSE LEVELS ~Big Money being invested in push for low levels for Vitamins & Minerals

The major uncertainty with the Food Supplements Directive (FSD) has always been the setting of Maximum Permitted Levels (MPLs). We all know that this part of the Directive (Article 5) has the potential to destroy the British market in food supplements, which is why with your help we have successfully fought hard for so many years to hold back the legislation.

Things have changed since I last wrote to you at the beginning of November.

At the beginning of December a major industry conference was held in Berlin. Titled 'The Regulation of Food Supplements in Europe; How Much is Harmonisation Needed' the event was attended by delegates from many Member States. There were calls for the immediate setting of MPLs, particularly from determined French and German officials. Such a move at this time would spell disaster for all food supplements users – the majority of MEPs who will vote on this issue have demonstrated time and again that they really don't understand the Directive or the potential consequences for consumers.

On a slightly lighter note, we understand that a senior Commission official has blamed the Save-our-Supplements campaign as a reason why MPLs have not been set. Other reasons suggested those who actually wanted MPLs to be set have failed to press their case – also that with media reports strongly in favour of our campaign, the Commissioner sidelined progress some time ago. While that is nice to hear, it does not help us. We need a whole new bag of tricks to work our magic now!

Britain stands alone ~ not a comfortable place to be I can assure you. We are the only consumer organisation fighting against the proposals. It has not helped us that some MEPs, even British MEPs have joined in the pressure on the Commission to set levels by tabling a number of unhelpful questions the request of major global supplements suppliers who are more interested in achieving market harmonisation than in protecting the availability of higher potency supplements. It is clear that we face a huge weight of opposition to our views; the very fact that this conference was held at all suggests big money is being invested once again by global players to get harmonisation at all costs.

So what can we do?

First, we must turn up the heat on the Minister for Health, Anne Milton MP. Unless I am very much mistaken, she has not met with Commissioner Dalli since October 2010 and has not pressed the British case with the expected determination. Also, it seems the UK government has formed no political allies with other Member States governments, something that must be addressed urgently. High level promises were made to us – we must make sure they are kept.

Second, we must spend more time in Brussels and convince those MEPs who will actually vote on this legislation that the 'one size fits all' approach to health is unworkable; that supplements are safe and effective and have been used for decades in the UK and across Europe. Last month I mentioned that Giles Chichester MEP has agreed to sponsor an event in the European Parliament next Spring for CHC to better inform MEPs about MPLs. This will afford us a good opportunity to again brief a number of MEPs of various nationalities on the details and implications of FSD and to try to gain their support. Timing is all important and we are seeking dates in April, May and June 2012. That should give us time to raise the required funds, bring other European supporters together and produce materials that will make a lasting impact.

So, our work continues. Please help us once more by making a small donation? Thank you.

Finally, here are a few suggestions as to how you and others can continue to help.

Your friends and family, all consumers, retailers, practitioners and everyone you know all have an important part to play and I urge you once again to please seek their support.

1. Have your family and your friends signed our Petition? Please encourage them to add their names if not. www.consumersforhealthchoice.com/phpPETITION/

2. Can you join those already generous consumers by making a donation to keep the campaign going and help with the Brussels event please? Any amount you can manage will help make a difference. Thank you. The on-line donation system is quick, simple and safe. www.consumersforhealthchoice.com/donate.htm

3. Finally, please forward this note to your own E-contacts, both in the UK and Europe, asking them to also take action as we have suggested. Writing to their own MEPs would also be very helpful.

Thank you again so very much for anything you can give and for everything you are doing. Things really are at a critical stage and I know you understand how very important this is.

Please accept my very best wishes for 2012.

[Guest guest]

From: info@...To: Mum231asd@...Sent: 03/01/2012 14:07:24 GMT Standard TimeSubj: An update from Consumers for Health Choice

1st January 2012

To our friends and supporters,

BRUSSELS UNDER INCREASING PRESSURE TO SET DOSE LEVELS ~Big Money being invested in push for low levels for Vitamins & Minerals

The major uncertainty with the Food Supplements Directive (FSD) has always been the setting of Maximum Permitted Levels (MPLs). We all know that this part of the Directive (Article 5) has the potential to destroy the British market in food supplements, which is why with your help we have successfully fought hard for so many years to hold back the legislation.

Things have changed since I last wrote to you at the beginning of November.

At the beginning of December a major industry conference was held in Berlin. Titled 'The Regulation of Food Supplements in Europe; How Much is Harmonisation Needed' the event was attended by delegates from many Member States. There were calls for the immediate setting of MPLs, particularly from determined French and German officials. Such a move at this time would spell disaster for all food supplements users – the majority of MEPs who will vote on this issue have demonstrated time and again that they really don't understand the Directive or the potential consequences for consumers.

On a slightly lighter note, we understand that a senior Commission official has blamed the Save-our-Supplements campaign as a reason why MPLs have not been set. Other reasons suggested those who actually wanted MPLs to be set have failed to press their case – also that with media reports strongly in favour of our campaign, the Commissioner sidelined progress some time ago. While that is nice to hear, it does not help us. We need a whole new bag of tricks to work our magic now!

Britain stands alone ~ not a comfortable place to be I can assure you. We are the only consumer organisation fighting against the proposals. It has not helped us that some MEPs, even British MEPs have joined in the pressure on the Commission to set levels by tabling a number of unhelpful questions the request of major global supplements suppliers who are more interested in achieving market harmonisation than in protecting the availability of higher potency supplements. It is clear that we face a huge weight of opposition to our views; the very fact that this conference was held at all suggests big money is being invested once again by global players to get harmonisation at all costs.

So what can we do?

First, we must turn up the heat on the Minister for Health, Anne Milton MP. Unless I am very much mistaken, she has not met with Commissioner Dalli since October 2010 and has not pressed the British case with the expected determination. Also, it seems the UK government has formed no political allies with other Member States governments, something that must be addressed urgently. High level promises were made to us – we must make sure they are kept.

Second, we must spend more time in Brussels and convince those MEPs who will actually vote on this legislation that the 'one size fits all' approach to health is unworkable; that supplements are safe and effective and have been used for decades in the UK and across Europe. Last month I mentioned that Giles Chichester MEP has agreed to sponsor an event in the European Parliament next Spring for CHC to better inform MEPs about MPLs. This will afford us a good opportunity to again brief a number of MEPs of various nationalities on the details and implications of FSD and to try to gain their support. Timing is all important and we are seeking dates in April, May and June 2012. That should give us time to raise the required funds, bring other European supporters together and produce materials that will make a lasting impact.

So, our work continues. Please help us once more by making a small donation? Thank you.

Finally, here are a few suggestions as to how you and others can continue to help.

Your friends and family, all consumers, retailers, practitioners and everyone you know all have an important part to play and I urge you once again to please seek their support.

1. Have your family and your friends signed our Petition? Please encourage them to add their names if not. www.consumersforhealthchoice.com/phpPETITION/

2. Can you join those already generous consumers by making a donation to keep the campaign going and help with the Brussels event please? Any amount you can manage will help make a difference. Thank you. The on-line donation system is quick, simple and safe. www.consumersforhealthchoice.com/donate.htm

3. Finally, please forward this note to your own E-contacts, both in the UK and Europe, asking them to also take action as we have suggested. Writing to their own MEPs would also be very helpful.

Thank you again so very much for anything you can give and for everything you are doing. Things really are at a critical stage and I know you understand how very important this is.

Please accept my very best wishes for 2012.