Foundation demands probe into 'herbal water'

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Foundation demands probe into 'herbal water'
By Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation 2011-05-27

The Foundation for Consumers is demanding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conduct an investigation into possible chemical contamination of "herbal water" products after four people in the Northeast developed severe symptoms after consuming them.

"Some of them developed pains in the neck and stomach after drinking this herbal water," Aporn Athasa of Roi Et Foundation for Consumers office said.

Speaking at a press conference to reveal the preliminary results of a nationwide consumer product safety survey, she said herbal water was being sold and advertised via community radio stations and cable television across the country.

"Local radio DJs and merchants claim the herbal drinking water boosts immunity, contains antioxidants and cures several diseases," she said.

The product, which is sold at Bt1,400 per bottle, has been registered as a supplementary product with the FDA but there iss no evidence of additional health benefits, she said.

The foundation received complaints from four people in Roi Et who developed severe symptoms after drinking the product.

The first person was sent to hospital after developing muscle pains and fatigue after drinking herbal water. They were treated for severe symptoms for two weeks.

The second case was a Parkinson's patient whose symptoms did not improve after drinking water.

The third case was a patient with thyroid problems who could not walk after drinking a half bottle of herbal water. The person was later diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The last case was a patient with osteoporosis whose symptoms did not improve after drinking the product.

"The advertisers have used some patients who have good experience with the products to tell the audience about how their symptoms have improved by drinking this herbal water," Aporn said.

Customers made phone calls to local radio DJs to order the products, which were delivered directly to patients or family members. The products were also available at car boot sales and drug stores.

The foundation also found that health products such as slimming coffee and coffee to cure erectile dysfunction were also being sold and advertised on community radio and local cable television channels in Khon Kaen.

"We found that more than 50 per cent of products that had been being advertised to have health benefits via community radio and local cable television were likely not registered with the FDA," Theparak Boonraksa of Khon Kaen Foundation for Consumers office.

The foundation also found that serial numbers printed on the products did not appear in the FDA database, he added.

Foundation coordinator Pachara Kaewkla said there were many loopholes in the Food and Drug Administration's regulations that meant the unscrupulous escaped punishment. They were fined just Bt1,000 to Bt2,000 each time.

"The Public Health Ministry and relevant agencies should revise their food regulations to give tough punishments to manufacturers and advertisers who violate the law," Pachara said.