One of the key activities of CHC in keeping ahead of the game is daily monitoring of the written and tabled questions in the European Parliament. It is clear from recently reported actions and questions we have been following that our opponents in various quarters are becoming increasingly active in pushing hard for market harmonisation of maximum permitted levels (MPLs) of nutrients in food supplements. They are forcing supplements back onto the EU agenda and, worryingly, it appears they are using our own MEPs to present their messages.

736 MEPs sit in the EU Parliament, in theory they represent 497 million citizens across 27 Member States. MEPs spend only about one week a month in their own constituencies, which makes appointments difficult to secure. However, for our next round of consumer action it is essential that MEPs are fully briefed (again) so that they don’t end up conveying inaccurate consumer and industry views when speaking in debates or when working with influential committees.

While it is true that MEPs are encouraged to “think European” and not “national” when assisting the scrutiny of legislation, it is vital that they fully understand the likely implications of their actions on their home country and constituents. We all have a role to play in that and a letter from you to one or more of your MEPs would be really helpful. We all know that full harmonization of the EU supplements market at inadequate levels would, in practice, lead to a serious loss of consumer choice. It would also be disastrous for industry – and it cannot be allowed to remain an option.

Some MEPs have grasped this message – others have not.

Please pick up our new campaign and run with it ~ click the link to find the list of MEPs by country and region I need YOU and everyone you know to write letters to your MEPs. Your MEPs MUST lobby the Commissioner NOW. In some countries there are ‘regional’ lists of MEPs so the list will show several MEPs for your region – you can write to one – or to them all! In some member States there is just one list of MEPs covering the whole country, in which case, please write to as many of them as you feel able. You have always responded brilliantly and caused quite a stir in the various political establishments in the past. Please do it again!

It has always been the case that some people do not feel confident to write such letters, even short ones. However, it has been made easy once again and the only thing needed to secure the MEP’s attention is your signature and name and address. Click on the link to download a draft letter to your MEP in English, French or German.

Can I remind you of the need to contribute to campaign funds please? Cutting back on our planned activities would be exactly the WRONG thing to do when the numbers for MPLs are about to be revealed and big companies from powerful Member States are pushing at the EU door. But we have no choice. While I don’t want to overstate our case, this is no time to shrink into the background.

Thank you. I am most grateful.

Sue Croft ~ Director, Consumers for Health Choice