REPORT CALLS FOR CONTROLS ON NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

TORONTO (CP) -- Canadians should have more access, information and personal
choice in the use of natural health products and services, concludes a
federal report.

The report calls for the largest overhaul ever attempted in Canada on how
natural health products are sold, including vitamins, mineral supplements,
herbal remedies, homeopathic products and natural drugs.

"We urge Health Canada to take immediate action to remedy apparent
inconsistencies that unduly limit access to safe natural health products,"
says the report by the Commons standing committee on health.

There is an increased demand for natural health products in Canada, but the
regulatory system in Ottawa can't deal with the variety of products coming
on the market, says the report, submitted to the Commons.

The legislation is confusing and regulations are not uniformly enforced
across Canada.

Some products have been banned from the Canadian market for reasons that
are not apparent to consumers or experts.

The sale of health products has grown to an estimated $2 billion a year and
is expected to increase at 15 per cent annually.

The two major recommendations call for creating a new regulatory agency
over the next six months and to enforce strict new labelling guidelines
that would include information about dosages, storage, side-effects,
benefits, expiry dates and use by children.

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson