This bill changes how natural health products are regulated under Canadian law. It clarifies that natural health products are not considered "therapeutic products" like other drugs and devices. As a result, natural health products will no longer be monitored or regulated in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. The bill also states that certain legal actions related to natural health products cannot be started or continued if the offense happened after the bill's new rules took effect.
Natural health products are things like vitamins, herbal supplements, and other health aids you can buy without a prescription. Under the new rules, these products will not be regulated as strictly as drugs or medical devices. This could make it easier for companies to sell these products but might also mean fewer checks on their safety and quality. If you use natural health products, it's important to be aware that they are now regulated differently and less strictly than other medicines.
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Supporters of the bill say that it makes regulation clearer by treating natural health products differently from drugs. They argue this change will reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on supplement companies, encouraging innovation and access to products. They believe that natural health products are generally safe when used correctly and that the new rules will still protect consumers by focusing on safety without over-regulation.
Opponents argue that removing stricter regulation from natural health products could lead to safety risks. Without the same oversight, contaminated or falsely labeled products might reach consumers. They worry that consumers might assume these products are as safe and effective as regulated medicines, which might not be true. Critics also fear that the change could reduce accountability for companies that sell natural health products.