Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 9 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 May 2011. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Monday, 16 May 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pets: Complementary Medicine

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to tackle the sale of unauthorised herbal and homeopathic pet remedies in 2011; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Where unauthorised herbal medicines have been brought to the attention of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), letters have been written to the suppliers with a view to ensuring these products are remarketed in compliance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2009. The VMD has entered into correspondence about five such products.No similar action has been taken in relation to any specific homeopathic product, since complaints have not been received from interested third parties. However, the VMD is aware of general concerns about the safety of homeopathic nosodes and sarcodes and investigations are being considered.When the need to enforce the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2009 is identified, the VMD's enforcement strategy is followed. The strategy can be found on the VMD's website at:"http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/public/enforcement.aspx"It lays out a step-wise and proportionate approach to enforcement, which begins with a letter to set out how compliance with the law has not been met. Only when the correspondence has been completed and enforcement actions continue to be required will penalties such as improvement notices be issued. If necessary, a subsequent resolution through the courts can be sought.

Secondary information