On Thursday, September 21st, the Geneva Chapter handed over to the 2006 university laureate, Ms Anne Kontos, the MCEI annual award. In return, she entertained us with a conference on Alicaments, subject matter of her thesis.

  

It is indeed a well-known fact, largely recognized by all traditional medicines, that food definitely has an impact on our health. The use of herbs and medicinal plants, biofidus and other artifical vitamins, mineral waters, cosmetic pills, etc. is referred to as "Alicaments", available at our local supermarket.  Launched in Japan in the late eighties before hitting Europe and the USA some ten years ago, the term, combining the concept of food and drug within the framework of a functional nutriment, was created  by the food industry to boost their sales. During conditioning, food companies incorporate artifical nutrients in our daily food to prevent the appearance of certain diseases. These allegations however are ruled by law and  mention of properties of prevention, treatment or cure for human disease is absolutely forbidden. No indication to slimming is allowed either.

  

Alerted by the media, the consumer is today more demanding and suspicious as far as food products are concerned. Conscious of the need to remain fit and live longer, he requires healthy, "ready-to-eat" food.  The tendency goes to local bio products with the appropriate taste and respectful of the environment. Alicaments are supposed to comply with these desires since sales have increased by 20% in 2000  representing  5 to 10% of the food market. Some of these additives, like  biofidus, may improve our health somewhat, others bearing the term "light" or "reduced" (meaning just water or saccharine added) or "bio" are just a means for the food industry to sell these products at a more expensive price. The phrase "consult your doctor before consuming" such as is normally found on medicine, may lead the consumer to believe that this product is affiliated to a medication. To create further confusion in his mind, industries sometimes add "during 10 days eat 60 g of ...". We should keep in mind that the principal function of food is to feed and not to cure.