Canada's NHP industry asks only what it was promised by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health 12 years ago. Our key concerns relate to the existing "standards of evidence and "quality testing" protocols required to obtain NHP licences.
Standards of evidence refers to both the quantity and quality of evidence (scientific or otherwise) required to substantiate a product's health benefit claim and safety profile.
Quality testing refers to how products are verified for purity.
Safety is a fundamental principle for our industry.
A Revised Standards of Evidence* proposal was developed by the industry with input from a broad cross-section of NHP suppliers. Essentially, it provides for softer benefit claims (eg: promotes prostate health) based on appropriate evidence while, at the same time, preserves stringent requirements for more serious, therapeutic claims. The complete proposal was presented to Health Canada in concept form in January 2009 with a more complete proposal presented in June.
Still there is no change in NHPD's review strategy and Health Canada's 2010 deadline to enforcement continues to draw closer.
A Revised Product Testing* proposal was also drafted with input from the same group of suppliers. Essentially, it proposals changes that ensure the quality and purity of products while providing for appropriate testing protocols.
Safety is always our primary concern.
However, the current testing protocols are redundant and do not add to safety and place an unnecessary and costly burden on NHP suppliers. This document was also presented, in concept form, in January 2009 with a more complete package in June.
Still no changes in the NHPD's review strategy and Health Canada's 2010 deadline to enforcement continues to draw closer.
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