Health Product Bill’s Passage Into Law Will Help To Ensure Accurate Active Ingredient Claims For Fish Oil

Media Release – 22 January 2015

Industry umbrella group Natural Products NZ (NPNZ) has expressed surprise about Auckland University research suggesting that many fish oil products do not contain their stated active ingredient levels, and is calling for the rapid passage of a Bill that would help to ensure that dietary supplements contain what they say they do.

NPNZ represents New Zealand’s natural products, functional foods, complementary medicines, cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals industries.

The Natural Health and Supplementary Products Bill, which awaits its third reading, will regulate the manufacturing and selling of natural health products in this country. It will strengthen regulation around which ingredients and health benefit claims will be permitted / not permitted, and what product information must be provided.

NPNZ Executive Director Alison Quesnel says: “The Bill is an important piece of legislation, which we believe will benefit consumers, the natural health and supplementary products industry and New Zealand as a whole.”

The new regulation is needed due to consumers’ growing demand for alternative options to maintain health and assist disease prevention.

“New Zealand therefore needs a modern regulatory environment that recognises consumers’ right to information about natural health products and their functions, and the right to access products that are safe and effective,” says Ms Quesnel.