Stricter Monitoring of Food Supplement Advertisements Urged by Consumer Protection Groups
Advocates urge for strengthened regulations in the food supplement field
Consumer advocates in Germany are demanding tougher regulation of advertisements for food supplements, citing concerns about false promises and the need to protect customers. The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) expressed such concerns on Wednesday.
According to a vzbv survey, many individuals believe the products to be safe and extensively researched. However, the organization refutes this claim, stating that the products are not well-researched as commonly thought. Additionally, the survey revealed that people tend to overestimate the effectiveness of the tablets, capsules, or drops used as food supplements.
Some food supplements are advertised on social media platforms with unapproved health claims, as per the vzbv. The survey commissioned by the vzbv found that nearly a quarter of respondents view these products as a type of natural medicine - despite them being food items.
Nearly eight in ten respondents reported using food supplements, with over half using them at least once a week. Surprisingly, nearly half (49 percent) incorrectly believed that the products were tested for health safety prior to sale.
Food supplements are subject to certain regulations in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the labeling of these supplements through the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The FDA requires labeling to be truthful and not misleading, and some information such as ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and structure/function claims must comply with specific disclaimer and placement requirements. The FTC regulates advertising and promotional materials for these supplements, ensuring all advertising is truthful and not misleading.
In an effort to enhance transparency, safety, and consumer understanding, recent FDA moves aim to provide clearer labeling, improved ingredient tracking, and easier-to-understand nutrition information for dietary supplements. The industry and regulators are also considering easing some technical labeling requirements to reduce compliance burdens, with consumer protection as a priority.
- The Community policy in Germany should emphasize the need for stricter oversight and science-based evidence for food supplement advertisements, considering the misconceptions regarding their safety and effectiveness, as found in a vzbv survey.
- In light of the common belief that food supplements are extensively researched and safe, the Community policy should emphasize the importance of food safety, nutrition, and health-and-wellness education, especially since nearly half of the respondents mistakenly assumed that these products were tested for health safety prior to sale.
