To the Editor: Harvey et al1 have a right to be concerned about the parlous state of regulation in the billion-dollar complementary medicine (CM) industry. They are not alone, with various leaders from CM doctor groups and other leaders also expressing concern.2,3
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- 1. Harvey KJ, Korczak VS, Marron LJ, Newgreen DB. Commercialism, choice and consumer protection: regulation of complementary medicine in Australia. Med J Aust 2008; 188: 21-25. <MJA full text>
- 2. Bethell G. Alternative therapy regulation under fire. Medical Observer 2008; 18 Jan. http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/displayarticle/index.asp?articleID=8810&templateID=105&url=http://Lock:87%2Fsearch%2Fsearch%2Easp?keywords%3Dalternative%2Btherapy%26x%3D0%26y%3D0 (accessed Feb 2008).
- 3. Smith P. Experts attack TGA loophole. Australian Doctor 2008; 1 Feb.
- 4. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Pan Pharmaceuticals Limited — regulatory action and product recall information. Canberra: TGA, 2003. http://www.tga.gov.au/recalls/2003/pan.htm (accessed Feb 2008).
- 5. Medical Board of Queensland v Raddatz. Health Practitioners Tribunal. File No: D. 2392 of 2000. Delivered 8 Sep 2000. http://archive.sclqld.org.au/qjudgment/2000/QHPT00-001.pdf (accessed May 2008).
- 6. See DM, Gurnee K, LeClair M. An in vitro screening study of 196 natural products for toxicity and efficacy. JANA 1999; 2: 25-41.
- 7. Evans D. Mannatech using disputed study to boost sales of its products. New York: Bloomberg, 1999; 4 Aug. http://www.ratbags.com/rsoles/comment/mannatech02.htm (accessed May 2008).
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