Sean Moloughney, Editor07.01.15
Igniting debate about industry regulation, quality standards and testing protocols, New York Attorney General (NY AG) Eric Schneiderman sent cease-and-desist letters to GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart in February, demanding the retailers recall store brand herbal dietary supplements. Based on controversial DNA barcoding analysis, the investigation alleged that many products contained contaminants but not the dietary ingredients listed on labels.
While independent test results found its products were legitimate, safe and compliant with regulations, GNC reached an agreement with the NY AG in March, whereby the retailer will expand testing and integrate traceability standards, including DNA barcode testing to confirm the authenticity of all plants used as sources for its herbal dietary supplements prior to processing. GNC also agreed to provide semiannual reports to the AG’s office.
However, immediately following the NY AG investigation, class action lawsuits were filed, negative reports, articles and editorials were published in the mainstream consumer media, and Congressional leaders along with a coalition
While independent test results found its products were legitimate, safe and compliant with regulations, GNC reached an agreement with the NY AG in March, whereby the retailer will expand testing and integrate traceability standards, including DNA barcode testing to confirm the authenticity of all plants used as sources for its herbal dietary supplements prior to processing. GNC also agreed to provide semiannual reports to the AG’s office.
However, immediately following the NY AG investigation, class action lawsuits were filed, negative reports, articles and editorials were published in the mainstream consumer media, and Congressional leaders along with a coalition
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