The European Commission has provided an update on work towards establishing harmonised maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods. The response was given on 22 July 2026 to a parliamentary question concerning the continued absence of EU-wide levels and industry concerns that the future values could be significantly lower than those currently permitted in some Member States.
The Commission confirmed that preparatory and technical work is underway. EFSA has updated safe intake levels for more than ten vitamins and minerals, while Member State experts are contributing to ongoing technical discussions. Existing national rules, guidance and experience in setting maximum levels are also being considered.
The future levels will be derived in accordance with Article 5 of Directive 2002/46/EC and Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The assessment will therefore take account of upper safe intake levels established through scientific risk assessment, intake from other dietary sources and, where appropriate, the varying sensitivity of different consumer groups. Relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union will also be considered.
The Commission is currently examining all vitamins and minerals authorised for use in food supplements and fortified foods. It has not yet identified the nutrients to be included in the first set of harmonised levels or provided a timetable for presenting specific values. The response also does not explain in detail how differences in consumption between Member States or the particular consumption patterns of groups such as athletes will be reflected in the methodology.
A Call for Evidence is expected to be launched in the second half of 2026. This will provide businesses and industry organisations with an important opportunity to submit data on actual consumption, existing product dosages, national market differences, product safety and the potential consequences of lower maximum levels, including reformulation and product withdrawals.
The Commission’s response confirms that harmonisation remains an active regulatory project, although its final scope, maximum values and implementation timetable have not yet been determined.
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