The Taipei Chinese Medical Association yesterday voiced support for the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s draft act governing the regulation of Chinese medicinal herbs in food products, but added that changes are needed to increase the legislation’s effectiveness.
Association president Chen Wen-jung (陳文戎) said the group applauds the government’s move toward regulating traditional medicine as a much-needed effort to draw a line between medicine and dietary supplements.
However, association members believe that herbal medicines are not ordinary food products, as their pharmacological effects may vary according to the constitution of the user, he said.
Photo: Taipei Times
A more effective way to regulate the use of medical herbs would be to create multiple categories for different types of ingredients, thereby providing clear guidance for industry and consumers on the appropriate use of traditional medicine, he said.
Any medical herbs incorporated into food products cease to be medicine and should not be allowed to be advertised as having medical properties, Chen said.
Enforcing this measure with strict labeling regulations and inspections is necessary to protect the public, he said.
Licensed practitioners should be allowed to take a larger part in assessing which herbs and substances qualify as traditional medicine to prevent risks to health stemming from their potential misuse, Chen said.
People are urged to consult certified traditional Chinese medicine doctors before taking herbs labeled as food products to ensure the substances they take are compatible with their constitution, he said.
Clearly defined and well-designed regulations would benefit traditional Chinese medicine by enabling the practice to stay relevant and make positive contributions to health in the modern age, he added.
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