AHPA Calls for Expanded Adulteration Definition

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) asked FDA to consider expanding the current definition of economically motivated adulteration (EMA) to include the addition or substitution of substances intended to make an adulterated material conform to existing identity and other quality tests of the genuine article. Steven Dentali, Ph.D., chief science officer for AHPA, presented the group’s comments and own efforts on adulteration during a May 1 meeting held by FDA to learn more about and discuss ways to combat economically motivated adulteration.

He noted AHPA addresses adulteration in many ways, including: guidance policies on known adulterants; guidance documents on topics, such as the standardization of botanical extracts and marker compounds; and the development of identification methods for botanical ingredients such as bilberry fruit extract and Hoodia gordonii stem.

“EMA is much easier to predict, prevent and address when industry is intimately familiar with the commodities in trade,” Dentali said. “AHPA continues to provide important guidance with respect to EMA and other types of adulteration of botanical ingredients, supplements and other herbal products.”