Herbal formulas changed

Star: SERDANG: Some herbal manufacturers changed the product formulas after getting the Health Ministry's approval, said minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
The manufacturers were confident that consumers would still accept the products based on the new formulas, he said.
“Herbal products are becoming more popular and this has encouraged some irresponsible manufacturers to exploit the situation,” he said after launching Serdang MCA's karaoke contest.
Currently, all manufacturers are required to register with the Pharmaceutical Department to prevent adulteration and to ensure that products are free of hormones, metal, bacteria and other unsuitable components.
Dr Chua was commenting on the ban of traditional medicine Orgacare Unik Plus-1 which contained restricted chemical substances to treat impotency that could be harmful.
He said many manufacturers were trying to attract consumers through multi-level marketing (MLM) strategies.
He said the situation was not bad if MLM companies were selling vitamins and supplements.
“We suggest that these manufacturers be required to have a permanent business premise,” he said, adding that the products were estimated to generate RM2bil to RM2.5bil of sale per year.