Petition
Reclassify Melatonin as a Food Supplement to Improve Public Health
Rejected
9 signatures
What the petition asks
We urge the UK Government to reclassify melatonin as a food supplement (doses under 2 mg). This would align the UK with global standards, providing safe, regulated access, to address circadian rhythm disorders linked to chronic conditions like sleep issues, metabolic syndrome, and cancer.
Why This Matters:
Modern lifestyles with artificial light, screens, and irregular schedules have caused an epidemic of circadian rhythm disruption, linked to poor UK health outcomes. Melatonin, proven safe in low doses, supports sleep and synchronizes the body’s internal clock. Countries like the US, Canada, and the EU classify it as a supplement. Scientific advances highlight its critical role, and reclassification would empower proactive health management while easing NHS strain.
Modern lifestyles with artificial light, screens, and irregular schedules have caused an epidemic of circadian rhythm disruption, linked to poor UK health outcomes. Melatonin, proven safe in low doses, supports sleep and synchronizes the body’s internal clock. Countries like the US, Canada, and the EU classify it as a supplement. Scientific advances highlight its critical role, and reclassification would empower proactive health management while easing NHS strain.
Why it was rejected
It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.
We can't accept your petition because the UK Government and Parliament aren't responsible for the issue you raise.
Decisions about the classification of medicines are a matter for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), not the UK Government or Parliament. The MHRA is operationally independent from the Government.
Decisions about the classification of medicines are a matter for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), not the UK Government or Parliament. The MHRA is operationally independent from the Government.
Timeline
| 5 Jan 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Feb 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
9
Status
Rejected
Rejected
27 Feb 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 1 Sep 2026.