On July 31, Rona Ambrose, minister of health, announced changes for certain homeopathic products that fall under the Natural Health Product Regulations (NHPR), specifically nosode products as well as homeopathic cough, cold and flu products for children 12 and under. According to Ambrose, the government of Canada believes that current package labelling for these products “may not be adequate for Canadians to make informed choices.”
By January 2016, all nosode product license holders are requested to include a new statement on nosode labels: “This product is neither a vaccine nor an alternative to vaccination. This product has not been proven to prevent infection. Health Canada does not recommend its use in children and advises that your child receive all routine vaccinations.”
On August 6, the Canadian Homeopathic Pharmaceutical Association (CHPA) issued a statement on its official website in response to new labelling requirements.
“CHPA was not consulted in the development of this new labelling statement and has expressed concerns to Health Canada about the lack of consultation and the feasibility and timing of implementation. CHPA will encourage Health Canada to conduct the appropriate level and process of consultation before final implementation of this important policy decision.”
