Clipping Board » Medical Affairs and Administration ─ Medical system, pharmaceuticals, and medical community-related reports
[The Epoch Times, October 2]
The Consumer Foundation tested red dates, wolfberries, ginseng, and angelica root, discovering pesticide residue incidents. On the 2nd, the Taoyuan County Department of Health dispatched personnel to randomly inspect Chinese herbal medicine stores in Taoyuan County. Testing is currently underway.
Dr. Yang Rongji, Director of the Chinese Medicine Pharmacy Department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, stated that pesticides or water sources may be used during the cultivation of Chinese herbal medicines, leading to pesticide residue. Additionally, issues such as sulfur fumigation may arise during storage. If the herbs are thoroughly sun-dried before consumption, pesticide residue levels can be reduced. The Department of Health noted that the Executive Yuan’s Department of Health has established limits for contaminants in Chinese herbal medicines and will conduct irregular testing for such substances.
Since July this year, the Taoyuan Department of Health has conducted spot checks on the labeling of Chinese herbal medicines. Out of 126 products inspected from 38 stores, five were found to have non-compliant labeling, accounting for about 3%. The main issues were the absence of manufacturing dates and expiration periods. The Department of Health emphasized that the Executive Yuan’s Department of Health has mandated that 324 types of Chinese herbal medicines must include labeling for product name, weight, manufacturing date, expiration period, manufacturer name, and address. Businesses with incomplete labeling may face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 under Article 75 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.
Dr. Yang Rongji further explained that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment is based on syndrome differentiation, and herbal medicines are used to treat diseases. Therefore, whether using TCM or herbs for health maintenance or disease treatment, it must be tailored to individual constitutions. This year, one of the themes at the World Pharmacy Conference highlighted that personalized treatment can improve patient survival rates, reinforcing the importance of safe medication practices, whether for Western or Chinese medicine. He advised consulting a TCM practitioner before use. Additionally, proper storage of Chinese herbs is crucial. Due to Taiwan’s humid and hot climate, it is recommended to store purchased herbs in the refrigerator immediately to maintain quality. Improper storage can lead to mold or insect infestation. Expired or moldy herbs should be discarded and not consumed to avoid health risks.
Wu Chengfang, Director of the Taoyuan Department of Health, stated that the department will continue irregular testing for contaminants in Chinese herbal medicines. He urged the public to remember that whether it’s proprietary Chinese medicines, raw herbs, or decoction pieces, they are all medications and should be used under professional guidance, avoiding excessive or prolonged use. He advised purchasing such products only from licensed TCM pharmacies or drugstores, avoiding markets, street vendors, or advertisements on radio or TV, to ensure health and safety. (http://www. dajiyuan. com)
Source: http://www. epochtimes. com/ b5/ 9/ 10/ 2/ n2676320. htm
Taoyuan Inspects Herbal Packaging; Missing Dates Risk Expiration
The Consumer Foundation tested red dates, wolfberries, ginseng, and angelica root, discovering pesticide residue incidents. On the 2nd, the Taoyuan County Department of Health dispatched personnel to randomly inspect Chinese herbal medicine stores in Taoyuan County. Testing is currently underway.
Dr. Yang Rongji, Director of the Chinese Medicine Pharmacy Department at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, stated that pesticides or water sources may be used during the cultivation of Chinese herbal medicines, leading to pesticide residue. Additionally, issues such as sulfur fumigation may arise during storage. If the herbs are thoroughly sun-dried before consumption, pesticide residue levels can be reduced. The Department of Health noted that the Executive Yuan’s Department of Health has established limits for contaminants in Chinese herbal medicines and will conduct irregular testing for such substances.
Since July this year, the Taoyuan Department of Health has conducted spot checks on the labeling of Chinese herbal medicines. Out of 126 products inspected from 38 stores, five were found to have non-compliant labeling, accounting for about 3%. The main issues were the absence of manufacturing dates and expiration periods. The Department of Health emphasized that the Executive Yuan’s Department of Health has mandated that 324 types of Chinese herbal medicines must include labeling for product name, weight, manufacturing date, expiration period, manufacturer name, and address. Businesses with incomplete labeling may face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 under Article 75 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.
Dr. Yang Rongji further explained that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment is based on syndrome differentiation, and herbal medicines are used to treat diseases. Therefore, whether using TCM or herbs for health maintenance or disease treatment, it must be tailored to individual constitutions. This year, one of the themes at the World Pharmacy Conference highlighted that personalized treatment can improve patient survival rates, reinforcing the importance of safe medication practices, whether for Western or Chinese medicine. He advised consulting a TCM practitioner before use. Additionally, proper storage of Chinese herbs is crucial. Due to Taiwan’s humid and hot climate, it is recommended to store purchased herbs in the refrigerator immediately to maintain quality. Improper storage can lead to mold or insect infestation. Expired or moldy herbs should be discarded and not consumed to avoid health risks.
Wu Chengfang, Director of the Taoyuan Department of Health, stated that the department will continue irregular testing for contaminants in Chinese herbal medicines. He urged the public to remember that whether it’s proprietary Chinese medicines, raw herbs, or decoction pieces, they are all medications and should be used under professional guidance, avoiding excessive or prolonged use. He advised purchasing such products only from licensed TCM pharmacies or drugstores, avoiding markets, street vendors, or advertisements on radio or TV, to ensure health and safety. (http://www. dajiyuan. com)
Source: http://www. epochtimes. com/ b5/ 9/ 10/ 2/ n2676320. htm