Category Archives: Advertising

MyDNA pharmacy assistant rewards program

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

I allege that this program breaches S.18 of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 “An advertisement must not offer any personal incentive to a pharmacy assistant, or any retail salesperson who is not a health professional, to recommend or … Continue reading →

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More problems with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Following a safety investigation by the TGA, Global Therapeutics, is recalling all batches and all pack sizes of its Fusion Hair Tonic and Oriental Botanicals Hairpro capsules, due to the risk of liver injury caused by an ingredient: Fallopia multiflora … Continue reading →

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University of Sydney pulls claims elderberries can fight flu

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.theage.com.au/national/university-of-sydney-pulls-claims-elderberries-can-fight-flu-20190515-p51nij.html The university initially stood by the claim, but on Monday, following repeated questions from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald it acknowledged there was no evidence to support that assertion. It now has withdrawn the press release and … Continue reading →

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New WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.who.int/mental_health/neurology/dementia/guidelines_risk_reduction/en/ Relevant to concerns about FSANZ Standard 2.6.5 which has allowed products such as Souvanaid® and Ceretain® to be self-assessed and promoted for the dietary management of Alzheimer’s dementia or related mild cognitive impairment. On supplements, WHO says: Vitamins B … Continue reading →

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A medical food for depression?

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Neurofolin® (containing 15 mg of L-methylfolate calcium) is a self-declared food for special medical purposes promoted for dietary support of depression management. Advertisments claim that L-methylfolate is, “an active form of folate known to be deficient in individuals with depressive … Continue reading →

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MJA Insight: Two new articles on Food-Medicine regulation

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Where food meets medicine: reform needed Junk food advertising to kids: the list of shame See also: FSANZ Sports Supplements Roundtable: Report on Discussions and Next Steps by

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TGA fails to act on illegal sports supplements

Posted on March 30, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

ABC story at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-30/canberra-fitness-community-not-fazed-by-sarms-health-risk/10930470 But, this problem was publicised last year and a complaint sent to the TGA And there are more complaints to the TGA that have not been dealt with: These are illegally supplied and promoted products by … Continue reading →

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SBS The Feed, Session 2019, Episode 7, Cure or Quack

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

A controversial government review that’s about to change what’s available for private health fund rebate. The program featured Naturopath Barbara O’Neil and her Misty Mountain Health Retreat, “where some people come with quite serious illness, like Lisa”. Lisa has gone … Continue reading →

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Food-medicine interface problems

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

FSANZ, Consumer and Public Health Dialogue, 27 March 2019, Canberra. I’ve now provided a report of my presentation and the discussion that ensured. Summary The regulation of health claims for foods and complementary medicines is inconsistent; complaint systems are problematic, … Continue reading →

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Lectures in Canberra; ANU & FSANZ

Posted on March 26, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

In Canberra from 25th-27th March 2019 staying at University House, a guest of the ANU. Two lectures to ANU BHSc students: Antibiotic Resistance: A Threat to Global Health Health Activism: A Case Study of Health Action International Asia Pacific One … Continue reading →

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