Toronto (PasseportSanté.net), September 16, 2003 – New Canadian regulations for natural health products (NHPs) impose extremely strict manufacturing standards on manufacturers, which will give consumers the assurance of obtaining quality products .
In particular, it tightens the standards that govern the facilities used by these companies, the products they market and the way they manufacture them. Only those that meet the new rules will have their facilities certified by the government – a certification essential to staying in business.
“These measures will increase consumer confidence in natural health products,” said Dr. Raymond Tsang of Health Canada. They will have better information and they will know that the therapeutic claims are based on reliable evidence. “
Manufacturers therefore see their responsibilities increased in terms of quality and safety. In addition to the manufacturing standards mentioned above, they will also, for example, have to monitor and report to the government any adverse effects that may be associated with the use of their products. Those who fail to do so face severe penalties up to and including revocation of their license and even legal action.
Despite the additional costs generated by the application of the new standards, companies should also benefit from it, in particular by gaining consumer confidence, says Dr. Tsang. In addition, the certification of their products will make them more competitive both nationally and internationally.
However, some argue that the new standards are so onerous that companies will choose to either simply close their doors or go underground, which could restrict the choice of products available to consumers.
When he announced his intention to legislate in this area in 1998, the then Minister of Health, Allan Rock, said he expected the number of companies to drop by about 40%.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
