The European Parliament is taking action following a two-month EC operation last year in which customs officials seized 34 million illegal pills. Members of the European Committee on the Environment and Public Health this week approved an amendment to a pharmaceutical package for mandating the use of features intended to thwart prescription drug counterfeiters.

Officials advocate such safety features as seals or serial numbers for prescription medicines. The requirement could be waived, however, by the EC in cases it deems appropriate. The amendment also includes a provision for the commission to consider extending the mandate to non-prescription drugs.

The Members of Parliament also approved amendments for improving the safety of drugs purchased online through regulation, and for stepping up pharmacovigilance.

- here's the announcement from Parliament

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