Codex Gets A Break

By Author: Linda K. Beach C.H.
Total Articles: 1
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Over the past eight years or so, the Canadian public and especially the natural health industry have been listening to building rumors that at any time soon our vitamins and minerals would be swept from the health store shelves by a government body called Codex. The rumors have been building to such proportions that some people have been stock piling supplements to prepare for the loss of these important nutrients. Without hearing directly from Codex or Health Canada to dispel these rumors, many of us bought into the idea that one day we would buy supplements only thorough a prescription and even then the active ingredients would be too low to be effective! Well, surprise! I am only too happy to report that Health Canada did step forward this week to dispel those rumors about Codex and our supplements! The following notice is the latest news from the Health Canada web site. I am certain you will rejoice in the good news and this author has. Fact Sheet: Codex and the Availability of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in Canada Many Canadians have expressed concerns about the perceived impact that Codex may have on ...
... the availability of vitamins and minerals in this country. The main concern expressed by stakeholders and Canadians is that the new Codex Guidelines on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements will severely limit the amount and type of vitamin and mineral supplements available in Canada. Health Canada wishes to clarify and reassure Canadians that the proposed Codex Guidelines on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements will not apply in Canada and, therefore, will have no impact on the availability of vitamins and mineral supplements in Canada. Canada will not be adopting these proposed Guidelines for two reasons: The Guidelines on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements specifically state they will only apply in countries that regulate vitamins and minerals as foods. In Canada, vitamin and mineral supplements are regulated as natural health products. The proposed Codex guidelines are therefore not applicable in this country. Under Canada&#39s Natural Health Products Regulations, which came into effect on January 1, 2004, the safety and efficacy of vitamin and mineral supplements sold in Canada is already ensured. For more information on Codex and Canada&#39s Position, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca. Copyright © 2005 Linda K. Beach C.H. About Linda: Linda K. Beach C.H. is the chief consultant and owner of Medical Botany Research (http://www.medicalbotanyresearch.com). Medical Botany Research provides Canadian Natural Health Product registration in Canada.