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PROFESSIONAL TRAINING SET
TO ADVANCE CAMS INDUSTRY
 THE official CAMS training division of the HPA has now been set up and will be known as the Institute for Complementary Health (ICH). It’s been in the pipeline for some time and, thanks to the efforts of executive secretary Deirdre Allen, the paperwork and negotiations have now been completed.
The HPA has teamed up with Dunamis Nutrition International and Dr Jacques Rossouw to provide the accredited training and distance learning courses. The Health Professions Council of South Africa, in association with the CPD office at the University of Pretoria, has issued CPD accreditation to DNI. “Partnering the ICH is a dream come true,” says facilitator Rossouw. “It enables us to advance the professional status of the CAMS industry with expert training and skills development.”
Targeted at doctors, pharmacists, health care professionals, CAMS professionals and people with tertiary qualifications in nutrition, physiology or related disciplines, the ICH training will consist of evening lecture courses as well as distance learning. A minimum of 20 delegates are required for each course. Although offered mainly in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, courses can be held anywhere in the country for a minimum of 20 delegates.
The ICH will serve both the industry and individuals by offering training and skills development within the CAMS framework and functioning as a credible institution through which industry professionals can access that training. The CDP accredited courses will improve personal knowledge, development and industry competence. “Knowledge is power,” states Rossouw. “The more the industry and the public are informed, the better it is for CAMS.
For details of the ICH training courses, visit www.hpasa.co.za
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A MAN OF SUBSTANCE
THE corridors of Vital Health Foods headquarters will seem empty without the vital presence of Bruce Dennison, who retired earlier this year.
 Having entered the health foods industry in 1974, Dennison held the position of managing director of Vital Health Foods until 2005 when he became vice chairman. “Bruce grew the Vital brand into the country’s market leader in the vitamin and supplement market and had a lot of fun doing so,” reflects Vital HR director, Brian Robertson.
Dennison’s contribution to the health products industry in South Africa has been remarkable. With an extensive knowledge of dietary food supplements and complementary medicine structures worldwide, he was instrumental in linking the SA health food industry with the outside world during the apartheid years and has been at the forefront of promoting and protecting the industry for decades.
He was Chairman of the HPA from 1977 to 1996, a member of the board of the Groceries Manufacturers Association from 1976 to 1995 and has represented the HPA as a founder member of IADSA and been on the IADSA executive since its inception in 1998.
A man with a quirky sense of humour and a penchant for laughter, Dennison is a traveler of note – as well as being known for his unique personality, sense of style and joie de vivre. “Bruce is a snappy dresser,” reveals Robertson, “and he stays at the Sloane Club in Chelsea (his favourite address), can be seen buying suits in Saville Row, shirts at Coles, food at Partridges and eating at the Les Poulet Pot or Chutney Mary in the Old Kings Road. He was known at Vital as the ‘gadget man’ who had every electronic device known to mankind – few of which he could operate, but they looked great on his desk!”
Dennison’s contribution to the industry is far from over. He still holds his post as life president of the HPA and will continue to be involved with IADSA particularly in the Middle East, Africa & the Indian Ocean Islands. He is very keen to help develop 3rd world countries in regard to the dietary supplement industry and will work with IADSA on behalf of the HPA to assist industry.
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SURVEY SLOWED DOWN...
BY INDUSTRY INERTIA!
AN important survey of the health products industry is currently underway as a collaboration between IMS Health and the HPA. But it’s being hampered by a sluggish response from industry players.
IMS Health, one of the world’s leading providers of healthcare information, has expressed disappointment at the lack of response from the industry and stressed the importance of industry stakeholders completing information questionnaires that were sent to them.
All HPA members are urged to co-operate as the survey, in gathering comprehensive figures on the status of the local industry, will be a powerful tool to develop the local and international complementary health products market.
Said Deirdre Allen: “This survey will give us a better understanding of the broad healthcare market which will be most beneficial to all industry stakeholders. But we must have a concerted effort from everyone to ensure that we have accurate industry figures.”
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COMPANY PROFILE
YOUNG COMPANY WITH
BIG AMBITIONS
DARRYL Hope, MD of the nutritional supplement company Holistix, admits that he came into the health products industry by mistake. Although he’d grown up familiar with alternative therapies (his mother was a homeopath), he was busy in the hospitality industry when asked to join a cosmetics company.
 For someone who did not sell and knew noting about cosmetics, he did very well – and his sales kit soon expanded to include nutritional products. In 1998, together with brother Gary, Darryl established Holistix with the goal of providing high quality products at competitive prices and ensuring service excellence. A few years later, fresh impetus was provided for the company by Dr Howard Rybko.
In the decade of its existence, the company has grown from importing and branding a single product to providing a range of approximately 100 nutritional supplements to pharmacies, doctors, health care practitioners and health shops. All products are natural and the raw materials have to come with certification. Products are produced at pharmaceutical establishments with top production standards.
“Part of our mission is to encourage people to take responsibility for their health,” says Hope. “As good lifestyle choices are an important part of becoming and staying healthy, we aim to assist from a few angles such as our monthly newsletter that provides helpful tips, information on products, healthy recipes and lifestyle guidelines.”
To maintain high standards, Holistix uses a panel of consultants to assist in providing information and training to personnel. “We have a great team of able ambassadors who have achieved fantastic results in getting the company to where it is today,” says Hope. “Ensuring our people remain cheerful and motivated is of great importance: to us, to them and to our customers."
WELLNESS IN WORCESTER
A new health shop recently opened in the Western Cape town of Worcester. The Natural Health Centre & Essential Health Shop - situated in Quenet’s Acade, Baring Road – is looking to stock quality products for their clients. Any HPA members interested in adding their products to the shelves should contact Marlene McPherson.
Tel: 023 3477118 / 083 3636254
naturalhealth@vodamail.co.za
SUCCESS FOR NATURAL
MEDICINE JOURNAL
Congratulations are in order for the Stellenbosch publishing and editorial team of the SA Journal of Natural Medicine. Headed by Dr Bernard Brom and Daleen Totten, the magazine has gone from strength to strength and, earlier this year, slipped efficiently into the monthly publication bracket. The magazine formula of asking specialists rather than journalists to write articles has remained constant – and the steadily increasing volume of advertising support from the health products and natural medicine sector testifies to the journal’s reputation and appeal. Well done!
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 PRODUCT PROFILE ...
CHINESE GOLD
FEW of the fans of a Chinese herbal pain relief product know the dramatic story of its origins. Known as Yunnan Baiyao, it was formulated in 1902 by Chinese Medicine practitioner Qu Huanzhang – and he considered the formula to be so precious that he chose to die rather than reveal it to the Chinese government of the 1930s.
 The secret formula was passed on to his wife however and, some years later, the new Communist Party government helped Mrs Qu re-establish the business. When Cape Town business executive Terry Shulver encountered the product in 2002 and decided to bring it back to the SA consumer, he tracked down the manufacturers. Expecting a small, home industry operation, he was astounded to find a massive empire, the Yunnan Baiyao Group Company, one of the largest Traditional Chinese Medicine manufacturers in the country.
Yunnan Baiyao is now available in aerosol form but the formula remains a closely guarded secret. The constituent parts are made up by 13 teams who know only their part of the recipe and nothing else. The secrecy of the formulation was a major obstacle to Shulver’s attempts to get the product registered by the Medicines Control Council, a process that took three years.
Pharmaceutical marketing expert and former nurse, Santa Sforza, runs the Yunnan company in SA and the product is making its mark in the natural medicines field. It’s also caught the attention of Professor Wayne Derman of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa.
“I gave samples of Yunnan Baiyao to David Greer and Johan Malherbe who ran the Great Wall of China in 2006,” explains Sforza. “They were communicating with Prof Derman about injuries and mentioned Yunnan Baiyao. Derman then wanted to know more about it – and a clinical trial in South Africa is under consideration.”
Used primarily for pain relief and wound healing, Yunnan Baiyao is produced in highly sterile conditions in Kunming and is one of the most popular medicines in China today. Thanks to its therapeutic properties, it was the authorized medicine for the Chinese Olympic team at the 2000 Games in Sydney and has a place in the regulation kit of the Chinese armed forces.
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS ...
AS GREEN AS IT GETS
GREEN consciousness is experiencing a global boom and the Natural and Organic Products Exhibition is the leading green industry trade and consumer information platform in South Africa. Currently in its 5th year, the 2008 show takes place from 17 to 19 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Showcasing the widest range of natural and organics products and services in the country, this year’s event promises to build on the consistent growth it’s enjoyed each year. The 2007 show recorded 10 600 visitors.
Says exhibition manager Janine Johnston, “In addition to significant conceptual and design innovations, the 2008 Show will enable visitors to sample, experience and learn about leading health and wellness principles and enjoy exposure to the widest range of organic and lifestyle options that place quality and ecological integrity at the top of the business agenda.”
 Over 150 exhibitors from a variety of sectors will feature food and beverages; natural, complementary medicines and preventative health care; a green home showcase that incorporates architecture, cleaning, garden and décor; renewable energy technologies; enviro-friendly textiles and fashion; body and cosmetic care; and expert opinions and insight from leading industry associations, media and information services.
For information contact Mandy Cloete
DIARISE THE CODEX MEETING
THE annual meeting of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSU) has been confirmed. Diarise the week beginning 3 November. Venue: the Cape Sun.
Codex has been invited to South Africa by the Minister of Health and the DoH will be the primary conference host. The health products industry, and associated industries, is expecting to entertain delegates on the night of 4 November. Anne Pringle is liaising with industry about this event, with Deirdre Allen assisting.
The 165 member countries of Codex meet annually to discuss various issues relating to international trade in supplements or food products. The objectives are to ensure that food products conform to Codex standards. This enables them to trade freely; to provide a reference point for trade disputes and to provide a basis for national regulation. While Codex standards and guidelines are not obligatory, member countries are encouraged to incorporate them into law.
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IT’S YOUR WEBSITE: Use it!
THE re-designed and increasingly informative HPASA website is not only providing members with greater visibility but also offering valuable insights into industry issues.
Featured are short profiles of each member company with website addresses, the executive committee, HPA history and objectives, membership conditions and downloadable membership application forms, information about legislation, partnerships and relevant CAMS modalities, articles and relevant news.
A section on training and development is also listed and members are encouraged to submit details on courses, workshops or seminars they intend hosting (for the trade or consumer) so that these can be showcased on the website.
News updates are posted at regular intervals and members are invited to submit information for posting online. A new section on Company News has recently been added, and we invite all members to send any interesting or relevant news about their companies regarding new appointments, product launches, social responsibility initiatives and the like for inclusion.
It’s your website: www.hpasa.co.za. Let it work for you!
Send news or information for the website to:
fairallm@mweb.co.za or zan.e@mweb.co.za |
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RESEARCH & REGULATION NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD...
FDA URGED TO BAN FAKE COLOURS
US: In the wake of research carried out at Southampton University, UK, and a request from the British Food Standards Agency for manufacturers to phase out certain artificial colours in foods, the American Centre for Science in the Public Interest (CISPI) has now echoed this call. CISPI has formally petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration for a warning label on to be carried by foods that contain any of the eight suspect artificial dyes because of their potential link with hyperactive behaviour in children.
EPHEDRA SAFETY WARNING
DENMARK: The Danish Medicines Agency has put out a public safety warning about a product which has been linked to one death and several adverse event reports. The product, which contains both ephedrine (illegal in Denmark) and caffeine, was not registered with the Danish authorities as a food supplement and is therefore classed as an illegal medicinal product. It has been purchased mainly via fitness clubs and the internet by consumers wishing to boost performance and/or to lose weight.
EHPM fully supports the action taken by the Danish Medicinal Agency. Chairman Peter van Doorn said: "We are against the use of these illegal substances in supplements and will continue to work with regulatory authorities to ensure that such products are not available in the European market.
SUPPLEMENT/ DRUG CONFUSION
US: The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has requested that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarify its policy on over-the-counter drug-dietary supplement combination products following the recent launch of a new ‘analgesic phytosterol supplement’. Marketed as 'Aspirin With Heart Advantage', the product includes 81 mg of aspirin and 400 mg of phytosterols, and bears both OTC drug and dietary supplement labeling and claims.
In its letter to the FDA, the Association cited two warning letters issued to companies marketing OTC drug-dietary supplement combination products without first filing new drug applications. The AHPA also referred to a letter dated May 30, 2000, in which FDA ‘strongly recommends’ firms refrain from marketing these products due to ‘a number of significant health and policy issues’.
C.A.M.S. DEFENDED DOWN UNDER
AUSTRALIA: The Complementary Healthcare Council (CHC) in Australia is strenuously resisting calls for major change to the regulation of complementary medicine. While CHC supports enhancements to the existing model to ensure consumer confidence about the safety, quality and efficacy of complementary medicines, it believes that this can be achieved within the current regulatory framework.
ALOE VERA SAFETY LEVELS?
US: The Science and Technical Committee of the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) is currently discussing the establishment of scientifically-substantiated safe levels of aloin and other anthraquinones in orally consumed Aloe vera products.
The Committee is concerned that the levels currently established by the European Union are not based on scientific evidence and therefore should not be adopted by other countries. It believes that the EU should reconsider the permitted limits.
PROSTATE ADVERT FLATTENED
UK: The UK advertising watchdog, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), has told a company based in the Channel Islands to withdraw an advertisement for a prostate supplement because it was unable to produce evidence to support the claims made for the product's effect. It was felt that the wording of the claims was likely to scare consumers into buying the product rather than seeking appropriate medical advice.
Advertisements for the supplement, which contained several botanicals (including willow herb, couch grass and stinging nettle), contained the words, 'Put your mind at rest, product xxx relieves prostate problems quickly and restores you to a peak of sexual fitness'. It went on to state that 'Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death in men!' and to suggest that the product had 'quite incredible powers to relieve prostate problems'.
TIME FOR NEW ENZYME RULES
EU: It’s time for the European Union regulations governing authorisation of enzymes to be updated and simplified, insists the influential Environment Committee of the European Parliament. Members stressed that enzymes should only be authorised if there was benefit to the consumer, and that the precautionary principle should apply.
Four new regulations are being proposed to replace and consolidate the many rules currently applicable to food additives: one sets out a common authorisation procedure for additives, flavourings and enzymes while the other three deal with specific rules for these categories. Positive lists of authorised ingredients will be compiled with conditions of use and labelling rules, and only those listed will be allowed in foods and beverages.
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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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He explained that the document would be studied in great detail and that suggestions from the HPA and related stakeholders would definitely be submitted to the Department of Health.
HIS parents pioneered the first health shops in South Africa, so Stuart Wilson was primed from a young age for a path in natural health - and he now uses this expertise to educate others. For the past fifteen years, Wilson has worked as a nutritional consultant and lecturer.
But there’s more work to be done, as was tabled at the Association’s annual meeting in Verona earlier this year. It was noted that industry associations around the world were being challenged with issues requiring scientific solutions and answers. Chairman Byron Johnson said that a scientific programme was therefore identified as a “significant priority” in order to bring about common global solutions to these issues.