New European rules on labelling for products containing Omega-3 oil could mislead the public, scientists have warned.
The European Commission votes tomorrow on proposals that would allow food with Omega-3 derived from plant oil to make the same health claims as products containing fish oils.
But plant oils are not thought to offer the same health benefits as fish oils – and scientists from across the EU have set up a petition warning that the new rules could harm public health.
"We are in favour of regulation" London Metropolitan University's Professor Jack Winkler, who organised the petition, told the Daily Telegraph. "We just want it to be based on the proven health benefits. The new rules will legalise the deception of consumers."