The Canadian Health Food Association Applauds the Government of Canada for the Completion of the Natural Health Products Unprocessed Product Licence Applications Regulations

MONTREAL, Feb. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) congratulates Health Canada for achieving the Natural Health Products Unprocessed Product Licence Applications Regulations (NHP-UPLAR) deadline of February, giving Canadians access to more than 60,000 authorized natural health products.

In an announcement made this morning at CHFA's bi-annual trade show CHFA Quebec, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Oshawa, Dr. Colin Carrie, announced the completion of the backlog which will allow for industry innovation and growth while, at the same time, assuring consumer safety.   "We appreciate the Government of Canada's efforts to reduce red tape while at the same time ensuring Canadians access to the safe, effective and high quality natural health products was not comprised," said Helen Sherrard, President of CHFA.

"We know that 70% of Canadians use natural health products on a regular basis to maintain or improve their health and applaud the Government of Canada for clearing the backlog and continuing to create a streamlined approach which provides a stable, predictable regulatory environment," stated Sherrard.

With the completion of NHP-UPLAR no new Exemption Numbers (ENs) will be issued and Health Canada will be transitioning toward the requirement that all natural health products sold in Canada have a natural health products number (NPN,) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label.

Canadians can identify natural health products that have been licensed by searching the Licensed Natural Health Products Database.

"Safety will continue to be the top priority and as the evidence required to demonstrate safety remains the same, CHFA and our members will continue to work with the government through the 18 month transition period," said Sherrard.

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is Canada's largest national trade association dedicated to the natural health and organic products industries. Representing manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers of natural health products, the Canadian Health Food Association has 1,000 members who contribute three billion dollars to the Canadian economy annually.   For more information on CHFA and the natural health products industry visit www.chfa.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Health Food Association

or to arrange an interview with Helen Sherrard, President of CHFA, please contact: 

Michelle Book
Canadian Health Food Association
647-882-6466 [email protected]