Update: Public consultation process on herbal substances classification
01 March 2011
During 2010, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) established a public consultation on herbal substances classification. The IMB sought comments from relevant stakeholders on two lists of herbal substances;
- Those that can be considered as food supplements; and
- Those which are considered as medicinal products.
Herbal substances which may be acceptable for inclusion in food supplements
Herbal substances on this list might be considered acceptable for inclusion in products which could be regulated as food supplements, where no medicinal claim is made. Such products would need to be registered with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Herbal substances not permitted in foods or food supplements
These substances are not acceptable for inclusion in food supplements, in the circumstances indicated, because they are considered to be more appropriately classified as medicines or because they are considered to be potentially too toxic for inclusion in foodstuffs.
Updated versions of both lists referred to above are available in the Traditional Herbal Medicines Registration section of our website.
The Information Note provides background information relating to the consultation process including the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products (THMP) registration scheme.