Consumer Groups Warn of Misleading Claims in Food Supplements Industry, a Multibillion-Dollar Business
The German Federal Association of Consumer Centers (VZBV) has released a study, which was reported by the Süddeutsche Zeitung, revealing a lack of awareness among consumers about the potential risks and unproven health claims of food supplements. According to Jochen Geilenkirchen, head of the Food Team at VZBV, many consumers are misled by the advertising of these products, particularly on social media, which often makes unallowed health claims.
The study found that nearly a fifth of respondents (21%) believe that food supplements are an essential part of a healthy diet, while almost half (49%) incorrectly assume that the products are tested for health safety before being sold. Moreover, four out of ten respondents (41%) expect maximum levels for the ingredients in food supplements to be legally regulated, although this is not the case.
Consumer advocates are critical of the fact that food supplements are often perceived as a natural form of medication, despite being classified as food products and not subject to strict licensing procedures. They hold the government responsible for strengthening food supervision and protecting consumers from false advertising claims, urging the federal government to push for a licensing system at the EU level.