Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacies sell contaminated CAMs

COMPLEMENTARY and alternative medicines (CAMs) tainted with over-the-counter (OTC) molecules, animal DNA and potential allergens including nuts, are being sold through some of Australia's largest pharmacy groups, a study reveals.

Research conducted by the University of South Australia, Murdoch University and Curtin University, found almost 50% of CAMs tested during the study had contamination issues in terms of DNA, chemical composition or both.

Of the 137 samples assessed, 86 were listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), with six of the ARTG-listed products testing positive for "unexplained pharmaceuticals including caffeine, synephrine, ephedrine and related alkaloids, paracetamol, chlorpheniramine and trace amounts of mycophenolic acid and buclizine".

Of the contaminated products 25% contained animal DNA from creatures including rats, dogs, cows and pigs.

"The data generated in this study continues to highlight a number of concerns with herbal CAM products," the authors said.

"The large number of products containing undeclared plant ingredients indicates either widespread ingredient substitution or that current methods used to identify plant ingredients are inadequate. Many products were contaminated with animal DNA that cannot be explained based on the ingredient list and may speak to poor manufacturing processes.

"5% of the samples contained undeclared pharmaceuticals, at least two of which are clear cases of adulteration.

"This lack of regulatory compliance demonstrates serious shortfalls in quality control and/or manufacturing processes."

The researchers warned the presence of undeclared allergens including DNA from the cashew nut and walnut families, increased the potential for adverse and allergic reactions, because consumers are unable to make informed choices.

"This study has shown that contaminated and adulterated products are not minor, niche-market remedies, but are sold in some of the biggest health food stores and pharmacies in Australia," the authors said.