Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

New natural health regulations step in right direction

New natural health regulations step in right direction


Kirsten Taylor, founder of stress and sleep supplement company SleepDrops, says the new regulatory regime created by the Natural Health and Supplementary Products Bill looks, on the surface, like a step in the right direction.

“Any time consumers can improve their health with safe natural medicines rather than having to resort to drugs with side effects, it's a good thing.

“The current system we are working within dilutes the information that companies can provide and literally stops consumers from buying product that is safe, poses no risk to their health and could potentially stop them from developing a serious disease.

“It would be wonderful to say clearly that our SleepDrops range helps people suffering from insomnia, rather than tip-toeing around the issue and only being allowed to say it supports normal sleep patterns.”

Ms Taylor’s only concern is they have not seen the exact requirements for scientific evidence to justify the claims and this is where it could get a little tricky.

“Because of the difficulties patenting natural medicines, there is little to no financial motivation for small to medium sized companies to undertake million dollar trials. The best way forward would be to develop a collaborative system where companies with similar ingredients collectively cover the cost of these trials.

“It will be interesting to see how it turns out but I am pleased that finally something sensible is being done which will benefit NZ consumers,” concluded Taylor.

ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.