Bill seeks tighter regulation on herbal medicines, ‘nutriceuticals’

MANILA, Philippines - Following recent findings casting doubts on their potency, a bill pending in the House of Representatives seeks to regulate the manufacture, importation, marketing promotion and distribution of herbal medicines, food supplements and other "nutriceuticals." House Bill 5480 seeks to clamp down on unsubstantiated and misleading claims from manufacturers and advertisers that tend to suggest that their products cure or improve conditions. "Herbal medicines or dietary supplements have hit the growing population of gullible people," Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua said in a press statement posted on the House of Representatives website. Thus, Fua, who authored the bill, said the public risks losing time or money in buying such products. Fua also said the added cost of such advertisements weigh heavily on the prices of these dietary supplements. The "Herbal Medicine and Supplementary Act" aims to further establish standards and quality measures for herbal medicines and food supplement. Fua proposed their submission for registration with the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) in accordance with the administrative order of over-the-counter medicines and other pertinent rules and regulations before marketing, sale or distribution of these products. - GMANews.TV