Category Archives: Uncategorized

Skepticon 2019, TGA, ACCC, Regulatory Panel Discussion

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The Australian Skeptics National Convention returned to the University of Melbourne’s Carrillo Gantner Theatre on 7th and 8th December 2019. One feature was a regulatory panel discussion: Could Australian regulators better protect consumers from misleading and dangerous advertising of products making … Continue reading →

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TGA decision to grant Special Access Scheme B approval for suspended breast implants

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

I recently submitted a complaint to the TGA about the promotion by JT Medical of ARTG suspended POLYTECH Breast implants (AC-G8RWXAES/2019). I was concerned that these implants were being promoted to the public with no mention of the risks of … Continue reading →

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Complaints to the TGA by Monash SPHPM Summer Vacation Scholarship students

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Lucy Romanoff investigated the illegal promotion and supply of body-building supplements in Australia. This problem was highlighted by the ABC earlier this year, but no action has been taken by the TGA about the products mentioned. One ingredient mentioned by … Continue reading →

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Lighter Footprints Climate Change Forum: Hawthorn Arts Centre 30/10/18

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Excellent meeting with over 400 people attending. Many suggestions for action. See also: http://www.lighterfootprints.org/ and https://www.repowervic.org.au by

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Another ineffective TGA complaint outcome: Detox Foot Pads Scams

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Image purporting to show toxins withdrawn by detox foot pads. From (6/9/18): https://www.happynaturaltherapies.com.au/shop/happy-feet-foot-patches-box-40-20-pairs/ This product is on the ARTG no: 148412, sponsor: Rebark Trading Pty Ltd – Absorbent; Intended purpose: to absorb (to draw into itself) undesired toxins from the body. … Continue reading →

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Further experience of submitting complaints to TGA portal

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

On 9 August 2018, the Assistant Director, Advertising Complaints and Compliance Section, TGA requested more information about a complaint I made on 6 July 2018 about Pharmacare FatBlaster products (AC-GBKDH2XG/2018). I believe this request was unreasonable as the information requested could have readily … Continue reading →

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ACCC acts on Jacov Vaisman (AMI) and Peter Foster (SensaSlim)

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

Former Advanced Medical Institute director declared bankrupt For background see: AMI begat MWI begat AMHC… Peter Foster declared bankrupt For background see: SensaSlim banned after medico’s exposure of bogus scientific claims by

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Civil Society Public Forum on Therapeutic Goods Bill: Program, brief report and media coverage

Posted on January 27, 2018 by Dr Ken Harvey

A public forum was held at the Australian National University on 24 January, 2018  to air concerns about the impact on the regulation and advertising of complementary medicines under the Federal Government’s Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1) Bill, … Continue reading →

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Very profitable: Australia overdosing on dietary supplements

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/very-profitable-australia-overdosing-dietary-supplements The marketing power of the complementary medicines industry has been highlighted by figures showing that half of Australian women and a third of men are taking dietary supplements. Supplements are taken predominantly by well-nourished people and often in excess … Continue reading →

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AHPRA’s handling of complaints about pharmacist Gerald Quigley

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Dr Ken Harvey

My students involvement in this complaint about Gerald Quigley was reported last December in the Australian Journal of Pharmacy. In addition to sending a complaint to the TGACRP, my students also sent a complaint about Gerald Quigley to AHPRA AHPRA’s … Continue reading →

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