Moments with Marilyn, Bill C-51
Many people are becoming concerned about the impact that Bill C-51, the proposed amendments to the Food & Drugs Act, could have on natural health products.
This bill was tabled April 8, passed first reading and is still in the House of Commons for the second reading. Right now, natural health products are being regulated as a sub-set of drugs. However, those in the natural health industry are saying that a separate category for Natural Health Products should be created under the Food and Drugs Act.
I have received many emails on this topic so I wanted to let people know it is urgent to let your MP (Member of Parliament) know how you feel about the matter. This is for Canadians only, however I am interested to know what the situation is like in the U.S. You can find out who your MP is by going to this link http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOf…
The concern is that Bill C-51, if passed, would mean natural health products are subject to the same regulations as drugs making it too expensive for many products to be produced. Another concern is that the amendments expand the power of inspectors, and substantially increase penalties for those violating the new regulations, to fines of up to $5 million dollars and up to two years in prison.
Let me know what you think.
By Marilyn Zink, publisher.editor, The Herbal Collective magazine
