The year 2024 was a pivotal moment for the European Union’s political landscape. It marked the conclusion of the 2019-2024 mandate of the European Commission and Parliament, ushering in a new era with the election of a fresh European Parliament in May and the reconstitution of the European Commission, operational as of December 2nd.
A strategic vision for the future of food supplements in the EU
In the evolving political landscape of 2024, the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) seized the moment to reaffirm its commitment to the food supplements sector by publishing its ambitious Manifesto: Together for Healthy Citizens and a Prosperous Economy in the EU. Since 1975, EHPM has been the voice of the sector, and with this Manifesto, it calls on the EU to recognize the pivotal role of food supplements in supporting the health and well-being of European citizens while fostering the growth of a thriving industry.
The Manifesto outlines six key policy priorities aimed at shaping a supportive regulatory framework in the new EU mandate:
- Fair Maximum Levels: Advocating for a fair, practical, and scientifically sound model to set maximum levels for vitamins and minerals, alongside a call for the European Commission to conduct a robust impact assessment of its proposals.
- Proportionate Risk Management: Ensuring balanced decision-making under Article 8 of Regulation 1925/2006.
- Botanical Health Claims: Proposing a model that harmonizes tradition of use with innovative science, enabling a balanced and graded approach for assessing botanical health claims currently “on hold.”
- Legal Certainty for Novel Foods: Clarifying the criteria for what constitutes a novel food.
- Probiotic Harmonization: Supporting the harmonized use of the term “probiotic” as a category across the EU.
The Manifesto reflects the sector’s vision for empowering consumers with high-quality, scientifically backed products while ensuring the industry operates within a predictable and supportive regulatory framework.
EHPM proudly presented its Manifesto at its members’ meeting in June, in the presence of Pascal Arimont (BE/EPP), Member of the European Parliament and the ENVI Committee. His participation underscored the importance of continued collaboration between policymakers and industry stakeholders to secure a healthier, more prosperous future for Europe.
As the EU enters this new political chapter, EHPM’s Manifesto sets a clear agenda for making food supplements indispensable allies in promoting public health and driving economic growth across the Union.
EHPM’s commitment to key EU dossiers in 2024
As the voice of the food supplements sector, the EHPM has remained steadfastly engaged in addressing critical EU regulatory and policy issues impacting the industry. In 2024, EHPM focused its efforts on several key dossiers:
Maximum levels for vitamins and minerals
EHPM continued to advocate for a fair, practical, and scientifically sound approach to setting maximum levels for vitamins and minerals, a topic of ongoing importance for the sector.
Safety of botanical substances
The safety of botanical substances came under scrutiny in the Heads of Agencies Report, published last spring. EHPM actively participated in discussions to ensure that industry perspectives are incorporated into any future regulatory actions.
Botanical claims
The long-standing issue of botanical health claims gained renewed urgency following two significant reports in 2024:
- The European Parliament’s own-initiative report, issued in March, which emphasized the need for the European Commission to resolve the “claims on hold” issue.
- The European Court of Auditors’ report, which echoed this call and highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity for the sector setting a deadline for 2027.
EHPM has strongly urged the Commission to adopt a practical framework that balances the tradition of use with innovative scientific approaches.
Article 8 of regulation 1925/2006
A major milestone in 2024 was the General Court of the European Union judgment (ECJ T-274/21) in November, which annulled Regulation EU 2021/468 on Aloe Vera and other plants. The Court ruled that the European Commission’s implementation of the Harmonized Alternative Dispute (HAD) regulation violated Article 8 of Regulation 1925/2006.
This landmark decision has set a precedent for proportionate risk management in regulatory decisions. The judgment will become enforceable unless appealed by the European Commission before the January 14, 2025 deadline. EHPM played a pivotal role in this case, participating as an interested party alongside its members Synadiet (FR) and be-sup (BE).
Closing 2024 and looking ahead: EHPM’s strategic vision for 2025
As a significant year for the food supplements sector draws to a close, EHPM marked the occasion with a special breakfast briefing at the European Parliament in Strasbourg last November.
Organized in cooperation with MEP Pascal Arimont, the event brought together over eight MEPs, including newly elected representatives, to introduce them to the sector, highlight our key concerns and challenges, and lay the foundation for meaningful collaboration in 2025.
The Road Ahead: Key Developments in 2025
The upcoming year promises to be pivotal for the food supplements sector, with several critical regulatory developments on the horizon:
- Maximum Permitted Levels (MPLs): The European Commission’s proposal for setting MPLs is expected to advance, with industry consultation likely in March 2025.
- Article 8 Dossiers: Decisions on essential substances, such as Alpha Lipoic Acid and Monacolin K, are anticipated.
- Substances of Concern: The European Commission’s approach to the 12 substances identified in the Heads of Agencies (HOA) report will become clearer.
- Botanical Claims: With growing pressure from EU institutions, progress on resolving the longstanding “claims on hold” issue is also expected.
EHPM’s commitment to the sector
EHPM is fully prepared to address these challenges and opportunities with a robust public affairs strategy built on a series of sound, well-researched proposals:
- MPL Proposal
- Graded Approach to Botanical Claims
- Probiotic Guidelines
- Vigilance Guidelines
- Quality Guide
- Upcoming Influencer and E-commerce Guidelines
These resources serve as powerful tools to engage with policymakers and stakeholders, ensuring the industry’s voice is heard.
A Milestone Year: EHPM’s 50th Anniversary
In 2025, EHPM will celebrate its 50th anniversary, a testament to five decades of dedication to the food supplements sector. This milestone will be commemorated with a high-level event, bringing together stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to reflect on our achievements and set a vision for the future.
Looking ahead
Through its active engagement on the above mentioned dossiers, EHPM reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the food supplements industry while advocating for clear, balanced, and evidence-based regulatory frameworks. These efforts are vital not only for the sector’s growth but also for ensuring that consumers across the EU continue to benefit from safe, high-quality food supplements.
About EHPM
EHPM was created in 1975 and represents and supports food supplement manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, the majority of which are Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs), in 17 European Countries. As the EU trade association for the food supplement sector, EHPM proactively and constructively engages with the EU Institutions to contribute to the development of a fair European regulatory framework for the sector. Through our member associations and companies, EHPM aims to provide consumers with safe, science-based, high-quality products as well as accurate and helpful information about their nutritional value and use.
