A PRESTON shop worker fears a new European directive could put her out of a job.

Irene Crane, 63, manager for Health Rack, Orchard Street, believes the directive on food supplements will mean many of her customers having to go to a chemist's for their vitamins and minerals.

Under the move, passed in Brussels last week, vitamins will only be available at a reduced dosage and anything higher than the recommended daily amount will have to be prescribed on medical grounds.

Miss Crane, who has worked at the shop since it opened six years ago, said: "There is the worry that the shop will not be selling popular products and our jobs may be at risk.

"People will just go to supermarkets to get their groceries and standard vitamins. They won't be able to buy our specialist products if it's against the law to sell them."

The health food shop has already handed a 3,700 named petition to the Prime Minister objecting to the plan.

But they have won the backing of Fulwood and Ribble Valley Tory MP, Nigel Evans, who opposed the initiative when it was debated in Parliament more than a week ago.

Mr Evans said many jobs in the health food industry could now be put at risk.

He said: "The petition is a loud and clear signal from people that they do not want their vitamins and food supplements interfered with by Europe."

MEP Chris Davies, the Liberal Democrat spokesman on consumer affairs in the European Parliament, is currently sending a specially written guide to all North West health food stores. He said: "Customers are entitled to safe quality products. We must weed out the cheats and ensure that buyers of vitamin supplements and herbal medicines have accurate information about the contents."

It is now up to MPs in this country to vote on how the directive is implemented in England.

But claims that products can prevent, treat or cure illnesses will be banned.

Miss Crane added: "You can drink and smoke yourself to death, but they're trying to stop you taking things that are good for your health!"

mblackburn@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk