A firm making food supplements is fighting proposed European legislation that could lead to the banning of its products.

East Grinstead-based G&G Food Supplies has enlisted Chris Huhne, MEP for South-East England, to help its cause.

The MEP visited the firm to be briefed on the impact on the health supplements industry of the proposed European Directive.

The company said if the directive was passed there would be a drastic reduction in the range of supplements available.

It was also prob-able the amounts available in single capsules would be reduced.

Managing director Jeremy Stephens said: "Typical effects could be to make a health-conscious consumer need several capsules of vitamin C to get the potency now found in a single capsule and to make some popular herbs un-

available except by prescription.

"We are confident Mr Huhne will speak up for us at Brussels."

The MEP said: "We must lift the remaining threat to free choice in local health shops.

"MEPs have tried to meet the concerns of manufacturers and customers and to ensure there are no restrictions on the sale of products, which are not only harmless but may have real health benefits."