BOLTON MP Brian Iddon is battling to stop new restrictions on vitamin and health food supplements that could cost jobs in his constituency. He is alarmed at a new draft European Directive which could severely reduce the amount of such substances people can buy. Instead of being able to buy several weeks supply of vitamin pills or other health products, the Brussels plan would reduce it to a single daily dose.

Bolton South East MP Dr Iddon believes this could hugely damage Britain's successful health food industry, costing as many as 4,000 jobs nationwide.

And some of them could be at the Health and Diet company on the Europa trading estate in Stoneclough Road, Kearsley, where the bosses have been in touch with him about their concerns.

Now, the former research chemist has put down a Commons Motion urging the Government to act.

He says that on the grounds of safety, the European commission wants to take drastic steps.

But Mr Iddon said: "I believe an over cautious scientific analysis of the safety of vitamins and minerals could lead to unnecessary low limits being set on the vitamin and mineral content of safe dietary supplements in the United Kingdom and Europe.

"There are 4,000 jobs at risk, and could damage the Health and Diet company in Kearsley, not to mention the many shops in Bolton that sell the products.

"I am urging the Government to redouble its efforts to achieve an outcome that will not disadvantage millions of consumers, damage the economic prospects of the natural health product industry, and undermine public health.

"The current policy is perfectly safe and reasonable."

A spokesman for the Health and Diet company said: "We understand the need to move barriers to trade in Europe and to create a level playing field for all companies wherever they are based. Such harmonisation must not be at the expense of the UK's existing liberal market in vitamins and minerals.

"Brian Iddon is encouraging the government to lobby more actively on behalf of UK consumers of dietary supplements and we are grateful for his support."