ARTICLE
13 October 2015

Health Canada Amends Labelling Requirements For Certain Homeopathic Remedies

GW
Gowling WLG

Contributor

Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve clients is to be in tune with their world, aligned with their opportunity and ambitious for their success. Our 1,400+ legal professionals and support teams apply in-depth sector expertise to understand and support our clients’ businesses.
Health Canada announced July 31 that it would be changing the labelling requirements for certain homeopathic remedies, and would no longer be permitting certain previously allowed claims.
Canada Food, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences

Health Canada announced July 31 that it would be changing the labelling requirements for certain homeopathic remedies, and would no longer be permitting certain previously allowed claims.

Nosodes, homeopathic preparations intended to prevent particular diseases, are now required to bear a contra-indication statement specifically indicating that the product is not a vaccine, and is not an alternative to vaccination. Further, nosode labels must state that the product has not been proven to prevent infection, and that Health Canada does recommend its use in children.

In addition, Health Canada has indicated that it will no longer permit direct or indirect claims that homeopathic remedies may relieve cold, cough, or flu symptoms on products that are indicated for use by children 12 years old or younger unless the claim is supported by scientific evidence. This is a major change in the evidence requirement for this class of homeopathic product, other homeopathic remedies can make a specific use claim if it is supported by published homeopathic references.

Licence holders have been asked to comply with the labeling change for nosodes by January 2016, while the changes for children's cough, cold, and flu remedies must be implemented by July 2016.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More