Nutrient
Threshold to
Label
trigger statement advisory
(recommended
statement
daily amount)
Vitamin C
> 1000 mg
May cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals
Iron
> 20 mg
May cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals
Calcium
> 1500 mg
May cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals
Magnesium
> 400 mg
May cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals
Beta-carotene > 7 mg
Should not be taken by heavy smokers
Nicotinic acid > 20 mg
May cause skin fl ushes in sensitive individuals
Zinc
> 25 mg
May lead to anaemia
Vitamin B6
> 10 mg
Long term intakes may lead to mild tingling and numbness
Advisory Statements
The UK Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals
(EVM) was set up in 1998 to evaluate the
safety of all the vitamins and minerals essential
to health plus those currently available as
food supplements or used in fortifi ed foods.
The report highlighted potential safety issues
with the long-term intake of a limited number
of nutrients when taken at certain levels. To
enable the continued presence of applicable
supplements on the UK market HFMA and Food
Standards Agency (FSA) have agreed a
system of advisory statements to be applied
where the recommended daily intake of a
product provides in excess of the EVM level.
It is a condition of HFMA membership
that advisory statements listed below are
inserted, where required, on product labelling.
These advisory statements are based on current
evidence and are subject to change in the
light of new evidence and advice.
APPENDIX 85