It is important to know your rights as a consumer – the right to be informed, and the right to safety - and we have made these our number one priority. There are many companies selling herbal teas, and some seem to be unaware of the regulatory system and requirements. So you must do your research before making a purchase with other companies.
Here are some things you should look out for -
- Companies may be selling their laxative teas in good faith due to a lack of knowledge of the regulations. For example, laxative teas are classified as food type products in the USA and in New Zealand. It is a common error to think the same rules in those countries would apply here. However, our regulations are different.
- Senna is one of many laxative herbs. Most, like senna, are permitted only as medicines – that is, entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and issued with an AUST L or AUST R number (required to appear on the label).
- Check the labels and websites of other detoxifying or slimming teas for any of these alternative names for senna:
- Cassia / senna angustifolia
- Cassia / senna tora
- Cassia / senna tinevelly
- Cassia / senna alexandrina
- Cassia / senna acutifolia
- Cassia / senna obtusifolia
- Fan xie ye
- Xie ye
- Jue ming zi
- Cao jue ming zi
- Cao jue ming
- Ma ti jue ming
- Check the labels and websites of the products you are considering purchasing, to confirm that an AUST L number is present on the label. If there is no AUST L, it is possible that the tea is not listed on the ARTG – and if it contains senna or other medicinal herbs or carries medicinal claims for use such as for weight loss, improved elimination or for laxative effects, then it is possible that the product may not be compliant to Australian regulations.
- More importantly, if you purchase a product with senna that is not on the ARTG, you can’t be certain it has the stated ingredients, or whether the doses are accurate.The regulations have been written for a reason, so to ensure you are looking after your health, choose such a product with an AUST L number on the pack.
Protect yourself by using diet or laxative products that display an AUST L number on the label.
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