[webstersII]

"The problem with mass production of herbal remedies is that the process is not well supervised. Microbes and other extraneous particulate can find their way into your bottle and cause you greater harm than good."

So what?

If they have the Generally Regarded As Safe designation, then they are the same quality as food products with respect to microbes and other particulates. People can choose to take them or not take them at their own risk.

Why should it be up to you, your wife, or any gov't employee whether people can take supplements that are GRAS designated? You are proposing the extension of the nanny state. You'll find a very receptive home at DU for your ideas, no doubt.

[Incorrigible]

Come, come now. Such hyperbole is unbecoming when directed at a long time FReeper such as me.

GRAS designation is fine and like I already said, I'm quite comfortable with you ingesting (or whatever) the herb of your choice.

I am merely stating that production controls are lacking in comparison to pharmaceutical controls. Foodstuffs such as beef and poultry have more outside inspection and that's not saying a lot!

I'm actually in favor of private, independent rating agencies that can audit SOPs and methods and provide a rating for not just herbal companies but consumer goods as well. This way consumers can be more knowledgeable about the quality of what they are purchasing and ingesting. It certainly should not be the UN doing this job.