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CLEANING UP THEIR ACT
GOOD co-operation has been forthcoming from most industry members found to have fallen short of ethical and advertising requirements of health products and claims.
Reports Denise Maidment, who heads the Self Monitoring Technical Committee (SMTC): “Up to 90% of the complaints received about products and claims have been acted on by the companies concerned. In a lot of cases, they have been unaware of any transgression - of what they can and cannot say - and they’ve willingly changed their adverts and leaflets.
“We’ve even had companies approach us to look at the wording of their advertisements,” Maidment continued, “which is a very positive, pro-active sign.“
One or two companies have dragged their heels however and have been reported to the Advertising Standards Authority and Inspectorate of the Department of Health. “They had undertaken to make the necessary changes
with regard to advertising and product mixes - and didn‘t. We had taken the process as far as we could, and had to refer the matter on.”
She added that the SMTC was not only engaging with HPA members in a drive to maintain industry standards and ethics but all complementary players in SA. Seems like this watchdog can bite…
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TRAINING IN THE PIPELINE
TRAINING for health shop and pharmacy assistants should be available next year, if all goes according to plan for the educational arm of the HPA.
The body will be known as The Institute for Complementary Health and it’s hoped that well-known healthcare personality Sister Lilian Leistner will run the programme.
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The Institute is currently structuring a certified CAMS course for counter assistants handling health products and natural medicines. All areas of training required by the health industry are being explored, and a qualification strategy through the Health and Welfare body SETA – an organisation set up by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – is being developed. |
“A consulting firm will assist with the qualification structure and framework,” explains, Dr Alan Tomlinson, “as we have to apply for a Standards Generating Body (SGP) qualification.” The qualifications will be outcomes- and skills-based, and will be set up on three levels - NQF 2,3 and 4 - within the National Qualifications Framework (a standardised training framework for SA).
The courses will include basic knowledge of all the CAMS modalities, selling techniques and principles as well as interaction with consumers: for example, the correct way to make recommendations rather than diagnoses and prescriptions. A certificate will be awarded for each course and will be transferable throughout the country.
“We are hoping to launch the courses by the end of the first quarter of 2008,” continues Tomlinson. “Once in place, we will advertise it nationally and open it to anyone who is interested in the field.” |
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D.A. ATTACKS NATURAL MEDICINES
THE health product and natural medicines industry came under attack recently from the Democratic Alliance.
Leading the charge was an article published by News24 on July 27, titled ‘DA blasts the sales of suspect drugs in SA’. It was based on a statement by DA spokesperson on health, Mike Waters MP, claiming that many complementary and alternative medicines sold in South Africa did not work or were dangerous. He also reprimanded government for being slow to regulate alternative medicines.
“Mr Waters was misinformed on the subject,” states HPA honorary president, Bruce Dennison, “and did not realise how much has been going on concerning regulations. We’ve arranged for him to meet with the executive for a correct brief.”
The HPA has not only spearheaded efforts to bring about appropriate legislation for CAMS but has been involved in a lengthy process of negotiations with the Department of Health to achieve this goal.
“The DA needs to know that the HPA is being active with regard to legislation and regulations which are currently in a review situation,” continues Dennison. “It is important that they are aware of the HPA as a responsible body and that we are doing everything we can to protect the interests of the public as well as the industry.’ |
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DAMIANA PRODUCT RECALL
AUGUST saw a number of HPA members instructed to remove from the shelves all products containing the herbal ingredient Damiana.
The companies in question received letters from the Department of Health Medicines Regulatory Authority (MRA) stating that Damiana was a banned substance in South Africa and could not be submitted as a complementary medicine.
The HPA responded immediately in defence of the medicinal herb, suggesting that it had been incorrectly banned according to the Medicines Control Circular 2/78. HPA chairman Dr Alan Tomlinson described this circular from 1978 as “somewhat archaic”.
It was brought to the attention of the MRA that Damiana had a good safety profile and was used in several countries around the world. The herb has Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status in the United States. It is also included on the Australian Herbal TGA list as a ‘Listable Active’ which means that, where appropriate, it may be included as an excipient ingredient in listed products and as active or excipient ingredient in registered products and that the herb occurs on the Herbal Substance List that has been work-shopped by the specialist scientific Broad Based Reference Group committee which intends to include Damiana as a Listable Complementary Medicine.
The Native American plant Damiana – Tumera diffusa Willd., also known as Turnera aphrodisiaca - has been traditionally used in Mexico, Latin America and the southern United States to relieve anxiety, nervousness, mild depression and reduced libido. The plant contains a combination of essential, volatile oils that impact on and improve the nervous system, alleviate mental and physical exhaustion and normalize sexual desire.
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Damiana has a history of traditional medicinal and food use with no harmful consequences reported when taken in reasonable doses. It has been rated by the US Food and Drug Administration as appropriate for use as a flavouring in a number of products including frozen dairy deserts, candy, baked goods, puddings and gelatin as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. |
In his letter to the MRA, Tomlinson emphasized that the Martindale did not report any side effects or adverse effects of oral ingestion of Damiana when taken at the recommended dose. An amendment of Council Resolution 2/78 in favour of this herb was requested.
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SENCIDA SUPPORTS SELF-EMPOWERMENT
Self-empowerment is a primary focus of the Sencida Network Company that was launched in May this year.
Aimed at individuals wishing to start their own business, the company offers interested parties the opportunity to sell products ranging from sports and nutritional supplements to African Traditional tea and personal and home care lines. No specific skills or qualifications are required but back-up is provided in the form of product training, sales support and customer service as well as a compensation plan.
The business concept is simple. People can tap into significant earning potential by using the Sencida product range, recommending the products to others and recruiting, training and developing them to do the same.
The Sencida mission embraces personalised solutions for a balanced and vibrantly healthy lifestyle and aims to provide innovative and technologically advanced products. The network is committed to delivering superior formulations that are rigorously tested for safety and manufactured to stringent international quality standards.
As one of the newcomers to the field of network marketing, Sencida is backed by a parent company with a trusted track record and supported by a seasoned network marketing team
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TRIBUTES
FAREWELL TO NASIM MHEDI DEWJI
Nasim Mhedi Dewji, owner of the distribution company SANAKA Enterprises that trades as FloraHealth Connections, passed away on May 25 - just two days shy of her 60th birthday. She was in Canada at the time.
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Nasim, and her late husband Mhedi Dewji, came to Johannesburg in December 1999. Nasim’s dream was to help the people of Africa with high quality herbal remedies and so, using the symbolism of their children’s names, SANAKA was formed.
Sadly, Nasim lost her husband a year later but, with the help of her daughter, brought Flora products into being. |
Together they set out to educate people about herbal remedies and natural methods of healing. Nasim was passionate about this way of healing and took pride in the quality of their products. She made every user feel like a member of her extended family. The company’s success was achieved through her exceptional customer service and the satisfied stories of those using the herbal products.
All who knew Nasim appreciated her kind-hearted and generous nature. She always offered a smile, a helping hand and a listening ear – and probably helped more people than she knew. She will be remembered for her sweet demeanour as well as her strength, passion and active contribution to the health industry.
AND GOOD-BYE TO KEVIN MINNIE …
Kevin Minnie, a staunch supporter of the complementary medicines industry and the HPA, passed away on August 12. He finally lost his courageous battle against cancer that began in December 2005.
He joined GNLD International in October 2001 as marketing manager and went on to become Marketing Director for GNLD Africa. He was involved with different associations on behalf of the company and helped set up its business in Cameroon. His colleagues are greatly saddened by the loss of an inspirational and important member of their team and will miss his ability to relate to people from all walks of life.
His presence at HPA meetings and contribution to the Association will also be missed, and the Executive Council and all members send condolences to Kevin’s family and colleagues.
HELLO TO A NEW MEMBER
On August 2nd, HPA executive director Mathabo Kona gave birth to a little princess - Khanyisa Nontutzelo Lerato.
Mother and child are doing well and Matabo’s first-born, Vuyelwa, is thoroughly enjoying the new arrival. Mathabo’s sleep is being disturbed but she says that Khanyisa is a very good baby who seldom cries.
Mathabo has an impressive track record in the health industry and if Khanyisa follows in mom’s footsteps, she too will be a great asset to the future of healthcare. |
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CARING FOR THE ENVIROMENT
The Natural and Organic Products Exhibition is just around the corner.
From 12 –14 October, trade, industry, consumers, buyers, media and business are invited to participate in informative and entertaining experience at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Participants fall into 11 categories: natural and organic foods; natural and organic beverages; body care, cosmetics and personal care products; green home products including cleaning materials, building technologies, home textiles and practical solutions for sustainable living; natural medicine and complementary health practices; organic garden care; organic agriculture products and services; environmentally friendly textile and design; natural baby and childcare; renewable and sustainable energy solutions and all related services from recycling to home delivery of the best organic products.
Of particular interest to health products manufacturers is the PhytoTrade Africa Natural Product Awards which is aimed at people and products making waves in the local arena. The awards will be judged by a panel of international - with cash prizes to the winners.
To vote for a winner go to www.phytotradeafrica.com.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE HEALTHY LIVING EXPO
The Healthy Living Expo is a prime promotional opportunity for stakeholders in the complementary and alternative medicines market. As the official HPA exhibition, Healthy Living provides an opportunity for participants to gain visibility for their products and interact with other players.
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“Almost all of the stands have been booked,” says organiser Bette McNaughton, so anyone interested should contact her immediately to avoid disappointment. HPA members are given priority.
The show will be held in the Fountain Court at Sandton City from 7 - 9 September. The show will be being advertised on Highveld Radio and promises to be well-attended. |
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DSEA REPORT SHOWS
HUGE HEALTHCARE SAVINGS
US: The final report of a study commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA) shows that over the next five years, appropriate use of certain dietary supplements could improve the health of key populations and save more than $24 billion in healthcare costs.
Among the key findings were that: calcium with vitamin D could save $16,1 billion by avoiding hospital care for hip fractures; folic acid could save $1,4 billion by preventing neural tube defects; omega 3 fatty acids could save over $3,2 billion by reducing coronary heart disease in the over-65s; and lutein with zeaxanthin could save ｣3,6 billion by helping people with age-related macular degeneration avoid dependency on community nursing care.
GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN
NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS
CANADA: The Canadian Government has announced a $721 000 investment in the Nutri-Net Canada project to help expand market opportunities for the country’s functional food and natural health products industry. Via a networking website, case studies and national and regional workshops and conferences, Nutri-Net Canada aims to bring together public and private stakeholders to develop a national strategy and action plan to establish a sustainable national network and accelerate growth of the industry.
NEW PROGRAMME TO PROTECT
AGAINST BIO-TERRORISM
US: The Us Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released details of a new software programme, the CARVER + Shock Software Tool, to help the food industry determine the vulnerability of food facilities to biological, chemical or radiological attack. As a science-based prevention strategy to safeguard the food supply, the tool is an example of the type of approach currently being developed as part of FDA’s broader food protection strategy.
DISCUSSION ON HIGH STRENGTH SUPPLEMENTS
IRELAND: The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has proposed a 1 x RDA maximum level for vitamins and minerals which is now being discussed by EHPM Scientific Advisor Dr Derek Shrimpton, the Irish Health Trade Association and the Irish authorities. Several amendments to the FSAI’s response were suggested, emphasising the importance of the role of risk assessment. The FSAI, who said that they would be ‘guided by science’, are unlikely to amend their position at this stage, but it is hoped that they will consider adjusting it as discussions levels progress. The Irish Association of Health Stores has launched a campaign aimed at protecting the rights of its consumers to buy high strength food supplements.
ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
FOR HERBAL MEDICINES?
UK: The UK Herbal Forum and the Soil Association are currently discussing with the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency the development of organic standards appropriate to the production of herbal medicinal products, and how products meeting those standards can be identified with wording on labels and advertisements. It is hoped that an appropriate scheme, analogous to that for food products, can be finalised by the end of the year.
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
US: The US Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN USA) has announced plans to launch a multi-year, multi-million dollar public relations campaign, ‘Life…supplemented’, focusing on the more than 150 million Americans who take dietary supplements. Year one will see the launch of a website to inform consumers about the pillars of a healthy lifestyle and them with personal wellness regimes. The programme will also focus on lifestyle research projects that will be shared with the public. The second and third years will build on the experience of year one.
CONCERNS ABOUT PLANT SAFETY
GERMANY: Discussions at the fourth Consumer Protection Forum have resulted in the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) advising that plant ingredients used in foods and food supplements should be properly assessed. Examples of extracts discussed included coumarin, found in some types of cinnamon (which may in high doses cause liver damage); the potential side-effects from isoflavones in isolated, enriched or high dose form, and the sunburn-like effects of the furocoumarin content of celery on sensitive individuals. BfR is also advising against consumption of jojoba seeds, Simmondsia chinensis samen, because of a potential risk suggested by animal tests. According to BfR, jojoba seeds are not used in foods or food supplements in Germany and are not sold in any retail outlets and would have to first undergo an evaluation before being placed on the market. However consumers can currently purchase such products via the internet.
LABEL WARNINGS FOR
BLACK COHOSH AND GREEN TEA?
US: The US Pharmacopoeia (USP) is proposing warning statements on the labels of dietary supplements that claim to contain USP-grade black cohosh or green tea extract. Following a 60 day comment period, the black cohosh proposal is due in September. No date has been set for publication of the green tea proposal.
CHINESE INGREDIENTS TO BE TESTED
US: The Natural Products Association (NPA) has launched a new programme to test Chinese raw materials for purity and composition. Under this programme, raw materials commonly used in dietary supplements will be tested in the laboratory of the United States Pharmacopoeia in Shanghai, China. NPA will relay test results to member companies and build a database of suppliers that will be made available to manufacturers for supply-chain decisions.
IRRADIATED SUPPLEMENT RECALLED
JAPAN: A fermented soybean extract imported from the United States for use in food supplements was found to have been gamma irradiated. Under the terms of the Japanese Food Sanitation Law, this has led to the recall of all food supplements that contained the ingredient.
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"Good Luck to our rugby boys – may they bring the Webb Ellis Trophy home!” |
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If you would like to share your company news with the industry please email:
fairallm@mweb.co.za or zansu@iafrica.com
Health Product Association of South Africa
PO Box 55544 • Northlands • Johannesburg 2116 •
South Africa
Tel : +27 11 789 4464 • Fax : +27 11 789 4464
email: hpasa@hpasa.co.za | website: www.hpasa.co.za
The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by the HPA.
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