Stricter Oversight Urged for Food Supplement Advertising in Germany
Advocates urge for increased surveillance in advertisements for dietary supplements due to concerns over potential misleading or false claims. - Advocates pressure for increased oversight on dietary supplements
In a survey conducted by the German Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv), it was found that one in four respondents views food supplements as a form of natural medicine, despite them being classified as food products. The survey also revealed that 49% of respondents mistakenly believe that food supplements undergo safety tests before hitting the market.
The vzbv reported that food supplements are sometimes advertised with unapproved health claims, particularly on social media. Over eight out of ten respondents use these food supplements, with more than half using them at least once a week. A majority of respondents were unaware that there are no legally prescribed maximum amounts for ingredients in food supplements.
Jochen Geilenkirchen, head of the food team at the vzbv, called for a strengthening of state food oversight and the establishment of legally binding maximum amounts for vitamins or minerals in food supplements. He urged the federal government to push for an approval procedure at the EU level to ensure the safety of products available in Germany.
The Food Association, the leading association of the German food industry, admitted that "real problems" lie in illegal product offerings and unauthorized advertising with misleading statements, even by influencers. However, they suggested that the existing legal framework offers sufficient tools to address these issues, stressing the importance of consistent enforcement, especially in the digital space.
According to the survey, conducted from late October to early November 2024 on a representative sample of 2,070 people aged 16 and over, the use of food supplements in Germany is primarily targeted and informed. Ongoing efforts at the EU level aim to regulate and monitor food supplement advertising claims more stringently, focusing on consumer protection and accurate representation of health claims.
Background
In the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates health claims for food supplements to ensure they are scientifically substantiated before they can be used in advertising. Germany, like other EU countries, adheres to these regulations and implements additional national measures, with discussions ongoing on how to better regulate the circulation of these products. The EFSA plays a crucial role in the evaluation process and the enforcement of regulations across the EU.
A recent EU Court ruling highlighted the challenges in using health claims for botanicals, emphasizing the need for reform in the EU's health claims regulation. The EU has been active in updating regulations across various sectors, with a focus on consumer protection and sustainability.
Although no specific proposals have been reported by German consumer advocates, the broader EU context suggests ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection through stricter regulations on health claims for food supplements, to ensure accurate and fair advertising practices.
- In light of the ongoing discussions about food supplement advertising within the European Union, German consumer organizations are advocating for stricter adherence to scientific evidence in the use of health claims for food supplements, as endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), to protect consumer interests.
- Given the increasing emphasis on health-and-wellness and nutrition, Germany, along with other EC countries, is exploring revised policies for food supplements, with a focus on the scientific validation of health claims and the establishment of legally binding maximum amounts for vitamins or minerals, to promote supplement safety and public well-being.
