What determines whether a herbal product is registered as food, a cosmetic or is medicinal?

The main flavour of her presentation will be about regulations which can be applicable to herbal products to determine whether they are foods, cosmetics or medical.  She will outline the theory and use case studies to demonstrate the reality of compliance and enforcement.

For example, Twinings Pure Camomile Tea is marketed as “a moment of calm” and “a delicately aromatic infusion with relaxing properties” which ensures it is a food.  If, however, the Company was to state that their Camomile Tea is “a natural sedative which, when taken at night, will help you sleep through the night” this will make the product a medicine.  This is for three reasons:

1. “sedative” is a medicinal term,
2. “taken at night” is telling the consumer when they have to take the product and therefore, implying dosage, and
3. “sleep through the night” implies insomnia which is a medical term.

Greer said: “I was delighted to be invited to speak at this conference as it is vital that companies are aware of the strict regulations which may be of relevance to their products.  Too often I’ve seen companies who have no idea about the regulations they have to comply with until they are contacted by authorities, and this can have a severe impact on their business. ”

Vitafoods Europe is the “meeting place for the nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional foods and functional drinks industries” and this year they are celebrating their 15^th anniversary.  It began in Copenhagen with less than 100 exhibitors and only a few thousand visitors.  It now boasts over 600 exhibitors and welcomes more than 10,000 international visitors through its doors.  It is clear that this industry is a globally growing market but as it grows, it is becoming more regulated.  The current challenge is to have regulations which are suitable for this global industry so that consumer demand can be met.

As well as the conference where Greer will be presenting, there will also be areas displaying new products and international pavilions, a discussion forum and, new for 2012, poster sessions where scientists worldwide will be showcasing their latest research.

 

About Global Regulatory Services (GRS)

Operating at the forefront of technology in the life science industry GRS specialises in new upcoming regulations affecting the life science industry (ranging from food supplements to stem cell therapy). GRS is an innovative regulatory affairs consultancy headquartered in the UK offering resource, support, advice and solutions to life science companies worldwide.  Their business model includes an established and extensive network of professionals and specialist consultants throughout the world with particularly strong connections in Europe, America, Canada and Asia.  GRS professionals are highly experienced with many of them being leaders in their own field ranging from Traditional Herbal Medicines through to Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine. Web: http://www.globalregulatoryservices.com/

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Further information

Please contact press officer Ellee Seymour on 01353 648564 or 07939 811961, email ellee.seymour@btopenworld.com

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