Channel Islands supplements 'a threat to UK businesses'
Islands is under the spotlight in the UK, as a House of Commons
motion urges a strategy to address unfair and illegal competition
to protect consumers and responsible businesses.
The Channel Islands – the bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey – are are British crown dependencies but are not part of the United Kingdom. Since the 10th century they have been part of the Duchy of Normandy, and Queen Elizabeth II of the UK is often refered to as the Duke of Normandy. The islands are not part of the EU and do not have to comply with EU directives. The European supplements industry is presently being shaped by new legislation, such as the 2002 Food Supplements Directive and the new health and nutrition claims regulation. The exemption of the Channel Islands means that operators have an unfair advantage, say the MPs behind the motion, and their practices could pose a threat to consumers and businesses. Through marketing material distributed to UK consumers, Channel Islands operators are offering products by mail order containing ingredients banned in the UK or EU – such as kava kava and melatonin – or making health claims with unsubstantial scientific support. According to the motion, tabled by Dr Brian Iddon, imported supplement products from the Channel Islands now represent almost 20 per cent of the UK market. "The scale of this operation now undermines the competitiveness of UK businesses," it says. While these products are not necessarily manufactured in the Channel Islands, the two bailiwicks are seen as a stepping-stone for access to the UK market. Chris Whitehouse, managing director of the Whitehouse Consultancy, expressed support for the motion. "All anybody is asking for is a level playing field," he said. "If kava kava and melatonin can be marketed to UK customers from overseas, and if strong claims can be made for products from overseas, then UK companies should have the same opportunity."
