February 13, 2015
Major Retailers Accused of Selling Fraudulent Herbal Supplements
A new investigation done by the New York State attorney general's office has found that four big-name retailers' store brand herbal supplements do not actually contain any of the herbs advertised on the label.
Walmart, Target, Walgreens and GNC have all been accused of selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous herbal supplements. Supplements that were labeled "medicinal herbs" in the stores turned out to often contain fillers like powdered rice and asparagus and more alarmingly, unlisted allergens that could be considered a health risk and dangerous to unknowing consumers.
24 products (claiming to be seven different types of herb) were tested to confirm whether the ingredient was what it was stated to be on the label. Turns out, 19 out of the 24 products ended up containing DNA that was either unrecognizable or from a plant other than what the label claimed to be.
The attorney general has since sent the four retailers cease-and-desist letters and ordered that they explain what procedures they use to verify the ingredients in their supplements.
While most of us are already cautious of where we buy our health supplements from, this news still comes as a shock considering the amount of consumers that shop at these mainstream retailers. "They're well-known family brands," we think. "What's not to trust?"
Sound off in the comments: Are you surprised by these findings? Do you buy your health-boosting supplements at the retailers listed above? If not, where would you recommend instead?
Walmart, Target, Walgreens and GNC have all been accused of selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous herbal supplements. Supplements that were labeled "medicinal herbs" in the stores turned out to often contain fillers like powdered rice and asparagus and more alarmingly, unlisted allergens that could be considered a health risk and dangerous to unknowing consumers.
24 products (claiming to be seven different types of herb) were tested to confirm whether the ingredient was what it was stated to be on the label. Turns out, 19 out of the 24 products ended up containing DNA that was either unrecognizable or from a plant other than what the label claimed to be.
The attorney general has since sent the four retailers cease-and-desist letters and ordered that they explain what procedures they use to verify the ingredients in their supplements.
While most of us are already cautious of where we buy our health supplements from, this news still comes as a shock considering the amount of consumers that shop at these mainstream retailers. "They're well-known family brands," we think. "What's not to trust?"
Sound off in the comments: Are you surprised by these findings? Do you buy your health-boosting supplements at the retailers listed above? If not, where would you recommend instead?