Ashwagandha ban warning as FSA launches safety consultation

The UK Food Standards Agency (ASA) has launched a consultation on ashwagandha (withania somnifera), in which it is specifically asking for safety data for ashwagandha food supplements. The FSA says the purpose of the call for evidence is to build an “evidence package” on ashwagandha food supplements, which will be assessed through the FSA’s risk analysis process. […]

Ahiflower shows similar joint health benefits to fish oil, says study

A new study by the Université de Moncton, Canada, has shown that the British-grown ahiflower oil (Buglossoides arvensis) has similar efficacy as fish oils when it comes to reducing symptoms of arthritis – such as joint pain, swelling – and inflammatory markers. The aim of the trial was to see how polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements affected the development and progression of […]

Our message to Ministers: Healthy high streets and healthy communities go together! 

Commenting on the Labour Party’s election win, Health Stores UK chair Len Glenville, says: “In April, Labour announced a five-point plan ‘to restore Britain’s high streets’ if they won power. We wish the new Prime Minister and his team well, and look for forward to seeing the new Government  making good on its promise to […]

Top tips on how to power up your POS!

For retailers looking to power up their point of sale, there was no better place to be than the latest Health Stores UK Shop Talk session, this time hosted by Dave Christie of Take on Goliath. Dave started with some defintions – and an explanation of the difference between point of sale (POS) and point of purchase (POP). The […]

‘Let’s put health stores at the heart of the social prescribing conversation’

“I think there’s a fantastic opportunity to put health food stores at the heart of the social prescribing conversation” says the health food retailer and brand-owner Cheryl Thallon.  The founder of Viridian Nutrition, and a long-standing committee member of Health Stores UK, has just returned from the 2024 edition of the International Social Prescribing Conference in London.  Cheryl […]

Top celebrities join industry and NGOs calling for ‘refill revolution’

Over 35 NGOS, brands and celebrities have backed an open letter calling for legally binding reusable packaging targets.  Greenpeace UK, Oceana UK and Ocean Bottle lead the open letter signatories compiled by UK environmental charity City to Sea ahead of World Refill Day on 16th June.  It was delivered to the leaders of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal […]

Study links omega-3 deficiency with increase in aggression

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that insufficient omega-3 intake in children and adults can lead to higher levels of aggression. The researchers studied 4,000 participants over 28 years and discovered a clear reduction in aggression when subjects were given either omega-3 supplements or ate more fish. Along with other research backing the results […]

Top HFMA awards for Graham Keen and Rachel Symonds

The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has recognised two very prominent industry figures with awards at its AGM, held in London yesterday.  Graham Keen, received this this year’s Maurice Hanssen Award of Honour. The award is presented in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding contribution to the industry. Martin Last, HFMA director general, commented: “Graham […]

Save the dates for this year’s Wednesday Webinar events! 

You can now save the dates for our popular Webinar Wednesday events through to December 2024.  Here is the programme for remainder of the year. Check out our website (www.healthstores.uk) and social media for more details on individual sessions closer to the dates.  June 26th – Shop Talk/Take on Goliath – How to promote products […]

Wild Oats celebrates Independent Retailer of the Year win

Long-term Health Stores UK member Wild Oats has been celebrating winning Independent Retailer of the year at this year’s Natural and Organic Innovation Awards 2024, part of the NOPEX event. It’s the second time the Bristol-based store has won the prestigious award.  Unable to make the awards ceremony on the night, the Wild Oats team have this […]