Trusting providers with the products and programs you buy is a big deal. Here’s why!
Who can’t resist the “Buy one, get one free” “Herbal Plus” herbal supplements at your local drug store? Turns out, four out of five products genetically tested by the New York State attorney general’s office do not contain any of the herbs advertised on their labels. The placebo affect certainly has it’s benefits, but when the herbs you think you’re taking are replaced with cheap fillers like legumes, powdered rice, or potentially dangerous ingredients, you might want to save you’re money.
This month the New York Times reports the New York State attorney general’s office has accused four major retailers— Walmart, Walgreens, Target, and GMC—of selling fraudulent health supplements, putting customer’s health’s at risk and constituting deceptive business practices.
The retailers were given cease-and-desist letters and required to explain their process for verifying ingredients used in their supplements. “Mislabeling, contamination and false advertising are illegal,” said Eric T. Schneiderman, the state attorney general. “They also pose unacceptable risks — especially those with allergies to hidden ingredients.”
