IN THE NEWS

Herbals Need Better Regulations

• Under the cap

“Herbals Need Better Regulation to Overcome Quality Control Challenges, say researchers”.  This was a recent headline in a well-read nutritional and dietary supplement trade e-journal, NutraIngredients.com.

At Jamieson we absolutely applaud and endorse this statement because it is so very, very true.

The e-journal goes on to communicate that from an article in “, Complementary Therapies in Medicine”, industry researchers state that despite the growing popularity of herbal medicine worldwide, there are still many adverse events associated with herbal supplements which can be attributed to the poor quality of raw materials and finished products. Warnings of contamination with toxic metals, pesticide residue and microbes, in addition to the rise of adulteration and misidentification mean that greater quality controls are needed. This brings us to the epicenter of the issue – adulteration.

The controls aren`t there because: most companies do not make their own products; most companies do not have the infrastructure or sophistication to know how or what to test and quality control; and worst of all, many intentionally cut corners to reduce costs. These companies knowingly dupe consumers by adulterating original starting raw material.  This is called “cutting the material”. It is well-known in this industry that some pretty popular brands hide behind great marketing communication and facades of shell companies to “cut material”.

Jamieson has long rejected the practice of allowing supply from questionable agents, brokers or distributors, used by the industry to varying degrees, where traceability is difficult, if not impossible. Yes this comes at a cost. With deteriorating economic conditions throughout the world and profit motives a priority, the risks are even greater today that financial pressures could negatively influence decisions relating to quality.

The only real solution to this issue rests solely on the consumer.  Consumers must really challenge what they see or hear, especially low cost product.  The old adage remains, “Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.”

You’re a consumer, what do you think? Please let us know.