This morning, the New York state Attorney General asked several retailers to halt sales of specific herbal supplements because DNA marker tests indicated that many supplements did not have the specific ingredients they claimed to have, and other ingredients that were not on the ingredient labels were detected. According to the report, just 21% of the tested supplements had DNA from the plant species listed on the labels.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says this mislabeling poses an unacceptable health hazard.
We agree.
We also encourage the government to regulate health supplements just as pharmacy drugs are tested and regulated. This could only benefit consumers of herbal supplements as they would know that they are getting what they expect. As AG Schneiderman says, "At the end of the day, American corporations must step up to the plate and ensure that their customers are getting what they pay for, especially when it involves promises of good health.”
The good news? Lori's Earth Friendly Products does not carry any of the specific brands that were tested by the Attorney General's office and found to be missing the ingredients they promise the consumer.
We urge our customers to consult with their health care professional concerning herbal supplements and alternative medicine in general and as they relate to their specific needs but honesty is key, and we applaud the AG's efforts. With proper enforcement and truthful labeling, everybody wins.
