The new forum, organised by Leatherhead Food International in conjunction with the organisers of Vitafoods , will take place on the final morning of the exhibition in Geneva, running from 11-13 May 2004.

Regulation is currently one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. Numerous market segments are expected to be affected by forthcoming health claims legislation, currently in its draft form before the Commission.

Recent reports from market research firm Frost & Sullivan suggests that the health claims regulation could present both a challenge and an opportunity for areas like probiotics and polyphenols. Companies will need to prepare sufficient scientific information to allow their clients to best market their products under the new legislation.

The Vitafoods forum will be free to exhibitors and visitors, who will be able to address a panel of experts on European and global regulatory and political aspects of functional foods, food supplements, claims and nutrition policy.

It will be led by Simon Pettman, director of the Brussels-based European Advisory Services (EAS).

The two-day conference will also offer insight into scientific and regulatory developments in supplements, including herbals, vitamins and minerals.