Campaigners objecting to Government proposals which could see herbal remedies taken off the shelves have enlisted the help of Braintree MP Alan Hurst.

The Labour politician was presented with a petition in Witham highlighting opposition to the planned legislation.

Mr Hurst went to the Healthy Living store in Witham to meet owner Warne Pugh, who has collected the signatures.

The Newland Street shopowner is against proposals which could see products like ginseng and vitamin pills reclassified as medicines. They are currently sold as food.

Mr Pugh says this would mean products would have to pass tough tests before they could be licensed. He said this could cost manufacturers thousands of pounds and keep valuable remedies off shelves.

He fears for the future of small Health outlets if the plans are given the go-ahead as the sweeping legislation could make it impossible to sell even vitamin pills.

Even everyday substances like tea could fall subject to the legislation as it contains chemicals which have an affect on the body.

Mr Pugh said: "The proposals mean anything that has a physiological effect upon the body will require a licence.

"It is a serious issue and could push small shops like mine out of business. Something must be done to stop it. Herbal remedies are currently sold under food law and to try and sell them under medicines would be complicated.

"It would take away choice for people and mean they would have to go to their GP for their complaints rather than having them treated naturally. This would put a further burden on the health service.

"Alan Hurst seemed sympathetic to our cause and and has taken our point of view on board."

The British Association for Nutritional Therapists are opposed to the plans.

Vice-chairman Veronica Gibson - who runs alternative medicine sessions in Witham - voiced her concerns to Mr Hurst on Friday.

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