The changes followed a 2011 consultation in which the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommended that Bach flowers and other ‘flower remedies’ be scrapped.
“The MHRA intends to take the position that such products should generally no longer be regulated as medicines, contrary to the standards set out in European law.”The agency wrote at the time:
“In fact, there are a number of Bach flower remedies on the UK market (and we understand that there are markets in other EU countries as well) that are legally sourced under other regulatory categories such as supplements. This change represents a beneficial simplification and will create a more level playing field for suppliers of this type of product.”
The Bach Flower Remedies consist of 38 versions developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. Bach Natural Flower Remedies is owned by British natural products specialist Nelson’s Natural World.
In the UK, there is a group called the Nightingale Collaboration. “Challenging misleading medical claims”welcomed the move by the MHRA, which filed a freedom of information request last year.
The investigation led the MHRA to confirm that in the middle of last year it had recommended to Mr Nelsons: “All product licenses for Bach Flower Remedies rights have been revoked and any products quoting the rights product license reference number and containing homeopathic/medical references on their packaging will be removed from our warehouse within six months and Must not be placed on the market after January 28, 2014. ”
The MHRA noted that products already on the shelves could be sold.
Mr Nelsons said it was certain, “All packaging has been seamlessly transitioned and changes will be made without disruption to customers or consumers.”
