A high non-compliance rate has been found in Austria as part of an operation targeting imported supplements. Results come from a multi-agency control campaign on food supplements sold on the Internet. The operation involved the Federal Office of Consumer Health (BAVG), the Austrian Customs Office, and the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES).
Internet orders were checked with the help of AGES experts for food supplements and novel foods. Shipments were tested at the Inzersdorf postal distribution center. The aim was to get an overview of what food supplements are being sent from countries outside the EU to consumers in Austria, to protect them from health risks.
Results of control From 50 samples checked, 21 were non-compliant with European law and the Novel Food Regulation. One sample was hazardous to health due to mercury findings. The 21 products were classified as non-approved novel foods, so cannot be sold in the EU.
The high non-compliance rate shows the dangers for consumers when purchasing food supplements online and the need for strict controls, said Anton Reinl, BAVG director. Some food supplements contained lithium and their status had to be clarified with the Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG) regarding classification. In Austria, around 450 samples are officially checked every year to ensure the safety of food supplements.
Around a third are rejected mainly due to labeling deficiencies such as incorrect information or prohibited health-r.