Medicinal products that refer to traditional Chinese medicine

30.11.2017

Question for written answer E-007377-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Luděk Niedermayer (PPE)

In the Czech Republic, manufacturers of traditional Chinese herbal medicine products face sanctions imposed by the supervisory body for making health claims that include the words ‘according to traditional Chinese medicine’. The products are sold as food (food supplements), and it is considered that a health claim referring to traditional Chinese medicine does not mislead the consumer, but provides true and accurate information about the nature of the product.

1. Can the Commission say whether it believes that health claims containing the words ‘according to traditional Chinese medicine’ are consistent with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006?2. Is the blanket, mechanical application by a supervisory body of a pre-established list of ‘banned terms’ to products sold as food or food supplements consistent with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006?