Strasbourg, 25/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - The report of Giuseppe Nistico (Forza Italia) has been approved with the EP approving the Commission proposal to develop a European authorisation procedure for traditional plant-based medicines in its first reading (co-decision). Approval has been granted for the creation of a specific committee for these types of products at the European Medicines Agency but accompanied by amendments that aim to clarify certain directive provisions, particularly the effectiveness of mutual recognition by granting it automaticity. Other amendments include the strengthening of "pharmacovigilance", statements of dose, instructions and undesirable effects of certain products.