The Irish Association of Healthstores and Irish Health Trade Association has stepped up their campaign against proposed EU legislation by sending a Press Pack to each TD and Senator returning from their summer recess.

Each press pack included Vitamin C and Echinacea, traditionally used by Irish people to ward off colds and flu during the winter months and times of stress. This season will see TDs and Senators facing new challenges, with the imminent Nice referendum and daily demands of life in Dáil Eireann. In the accompanying press letter, the IAHS and IHTA highlight the role of food supplements and herbal remedies as valuable tools for promoting one’s health and protecting against disease.

Whilst helping to boost their immune system, the associations are also hoping to boost TD support for industries working in the field of preventative health care. The annual expenditure on health rose from €3.1bn in 1996 to €8.2bn in 2002 and both associations believe that if new EU legislation on herbs and food supplements is adopted, this will lead to further increases. They warn that by imposing strict regulation on natural health remedies, it will reduce the opportunity for individuals to safeguard their health, leading to a further burden on the health service.