American herbal supplements consumers may be interested to know that the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has issued new standards guidelines. The guidelines relate to contamination by microbiological and mycotoxin agents and heavy metals.
A full copy of the updated guidelines is available on the AHPA Web site . It’s original guidance on Heavy Metals was adopted October 2008 while its original guidance on Microbiology and Mycotoxins was adopted in June 2003.
The AHPA includes domestic and foreign companies doing business as growers, processors, manufacturers and marketers of herbs and herbal products. These include foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics and non prescription drugs.
According to a statement from the AHPA: “The approval of guidance policies by the Board suggests that adherence to these guidelines will support responsible trade in herbal products and is in the best interest of consumers. Therefore, AHPA highly recommends members and industry follow the association’s guidelines in addition to its trade requirements.”
Typical of industry based bodies the guidelines appear to reflect reality, not perfection. As neither membership of the association nor adherence to the guidelines is mandatory it would be good if labeling were to be introduced to signify standards compliance.
Tags: herbal supplements, herbs, supplements