The federal government says proposed changes to the Food and Drug Actwill facilitate access

<
http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/ne...6-71d25b9e4185
>

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2008

There has been some misunderstanding regarding the approach of government
toward natural health products and our proposed legislation, Bill C-51.

It is unfortunate a few individuals are spreading fear and misinformation
to consumers.

It is to the benefit of Canadians to have access to healthy and safe
natural health products. These make up the majority of products on store
shelves.

NEW REGULATIONS: The federal government says proposed changes to the Food
and Drug Act will facilitate access to safe and effective products such as
vitamins.

Bill C-51 does not target natural health products; it also covers drugs,
medical devices, cells, tissues, organs, vaccines and veterinary drugs.
The bill is the first update to the Food and Drug Act in about 50 years.
It also does not include any changes to natural health products
regulations, which have been in force since Jan. 1, 2004. Moreover, the
intention of the bill and regulations is to facilitate access to safe and
effective products.

The legislation ensures that tainted products are found and recalled, that
what is on the label is in the bottle, and that health claims are
supported by evidence.

My department often issues warnings about mislabelled products or those
with adverse reactions. For example, diethylene glycol was found in
fluoridated toothpaste, and liver toxicity has been associated with the
use of a black cohosh product that was found to contain a species of the
plant different than the one stated on the label. We have also seen cases
where a natural health product makes an unfounded claim - the ability to
cure cancer, for example.

In addition, the increasing import of products from foreign countries
requires oversight to assure product safety.

Those who allege this legislation will reduce access to common vitamins
and herbal products are wrong.

The bill is still before the House of Commons and we look forward to
hearing more from Canadians and industry partners.

Under a modernized Food and Drug Act, the numbers and variety of natural
products will grow, the industry will be enhanced, and Canadians can be
confident they will be able to access safe products.

TONY CLEMENT

Minister of Health

Ottawa