MEP welcomes Commission crackdown on counterfeit medical supplies.

3.51.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Oct 2008

Liz Lynne, the LibDem Euro MP for the West Midlands has welcomed European Commission proposals to combat the increase in fake drugs available in the EU.

Her comments come after a statement was made to the European Parliament by the Commission in Strasbourg today on how it intends to tackle the problem.

The proposals involve a more detailed checking process being introduced for EU pharmaceutical companies that will allow the tracking of drugs from the factory floor right the way through to the pharmacy shelves. Ingredients coming from outside the Euro-zone will also be subject to stronger checks to ensure that products aren't contaminated or dangerous.

Liz Lynne, who is the Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament and Co-chair of MEPs Against Cancer, said that it was vital a solution was found to the growing trend of cheap copies.

"Counterfeit drugs are incredibly dangerous; often they have not been subject to the same tests as the original product and can cause serious illness or even death.

"Unfortunately, due to the increase in spam email advertisements for cheap Viagra and other drugs, more and more EU citizens are buying these counterfeit products.

"We must ensure that all medical supplies available in the EU have been tested, are safe and that their origin is traceable. I hope that the final proposals by the Commission will reflect this state of affairs."

ENDS