Monday 10 April 2006

Ban or regulate party pills? Turner

United Future MP Judy Turner is calling on the government to bring party pills under pharmaceutical regulation ? or ban them.

Judy Turner wrote to Matt Bowden of the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand (STANZ) nearly two months ago to ask what he believed would be the best regulatory framework to apply to party pills; complementaries, pharmaceuticals or food.

"No reply was ever received.

"I am sure that the complementary medicines industry does not want these products associated with them, and they certainly do not qualify as foods so that leaves pharmaceutical regulations, which I think is the most appropriate place," said Mrs Turner.

"Should the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs say they are safe then that is fine, but they still need be recommended under the proper framework and regulated as a pharmaceutical," stated Mrs Turner.

"If these products are going to be legal then the appropriate parameters must apply."

According to Mrs Turner, "Currently some manufacturers and retailers of party pills, have entered a voluntary code of regulation but it is like asking the alcohol industry to act responsibly without wider accountability.

Watchdog groups are testing the products and sounding the warnings. This suits STANZ because they are not responsible for funding the lab tests.

"If the government is going to continue to take the advice of the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs regarding party pills, then they should at least bring these products under a system of accountability that is robust, and puts the cost for safety on those who design, manufacture and distribute these products," concluded Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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