Anyone who has experienced or witnessed an undesirable effects is invited to report it to FPS Public Health. Please complete your report with as much information as possible, and attach any documents useful for processing your report (photo(s) of the undesirable effects, blood test(s), medical diagnosis, etc.).

All undesirable effects can be reported, regardless of their nature and level of severity. For example: rash, intestinal cramps, weight loss, hypertension, hepatitis, fever, headaches, altered blood markers, kidney failure, gastro-oesophageal reflux, constipation, etc. Cases of misuse, i.e. cases linked to the incorrect use of the product, may also be reported to us.

If you wish, you can ask your doctor or any other healthcare professional (dietician, physiotherapist, nurse, etc.) to notify our services of any undesirable effects you may experience.

Contact a doctor immediately if symptoms are severe, life-threatening or worsen.

You can report your undesirable effects online or in downloadable PDF format.

What happens after I submit my report?

Reports are received by FPS Public Health, which carries out a preliminary assessment of the dossiers. FPS may contact the declarant again if important information is missing. Sufficiently documented reports are examined by a specialised medical expert and by the Nutrivigilance Commission, which brings together a range of experts, doctors and health professionals. Their main objective is to assess imputability, i.e. determine whether the undesirable effects observed are indeed linked to the consumption of the suspected product.

Depending on the results of the assessments, the observed effects and the number of cases received, FPS Public Health can determine whether it is necessary to carry out a safety study on a specific ingredient and whether measures need to be taken regarding a product or ingredient to guarantee the safety of the products placed on the market in Belgium.

All the information provided in the undesirable effects report will be treated as confidential. No information concerning the follow-up of the file can be transmitted to the declarant.

A few tips for safer consumption: 

  • Dietary supplements are not medicines and are not intended to prevent or treat disease. If you are ill, consult your doctor. Nor should they be used to replace medical treatment.

  • Be wary of miracle products and advertisements that try to convince you that a dietary supplement or other food product can cure or prevent an illness.

  • Ask your doctor or healthcare professional for advice.

  • Observe the quantity, conditions of use, recommendations and warnings given on the label.

  • Take care when combining dietary supplements with medicines or other food supplements. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Avoid prolonged or repeated use.