D-mannose not permitted in Swiss Food Supplements

    Last October, the Swiss Authorities banned the use of D-mannose in Food Supplements.

    The Swiss authorities referenced the European Court of Justice ruling C-589/23 in their decision and according to them:

    “D-Mannose is a simple sugar that naturally occurs in the human body. It is also present in some plants and fruits. Due to its pharmacological effect, it is not allowed to be used in dietary supplements in Switzerland”.

    D-Mannose reversibly binds to bacteria through hydrogen bonds. This prevents the bacteria from attaching to human cells. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) classifies this mechanism as a pharmacological effect. Substances with such an effect are not permitted in or as food.

    For this reason, dietary supplements containing D-Mannose are not compliant and may not be sold in Switzerland. Preparations containing D-Mannose for oral administration are only marketable as approved medicinal products.”

    Please note that the European Court of Justice has not ruled on the marketing of D-mannose as a food supplement, nor has it mandated that D-mannose be authorised exclusively as a medicinal product.