Mini Review
Tamayo C and Ann Hoffman F
Abstract
Since its inception in 2004, Canadian regulation of natural health products (NHPs) has been evolving. Implementation of the novel Natural Health Products law by Health Canada, the national regulatory agency, has been responsive to both consumer desires for novel products for health care, but also potential concerns over product safety. The agency has developed numerous webpages explaining its approach to this new regulatory category, which has included regulations and guidance documents and refinement of both. Due to its many layers, the information is not very transparent. In addition, the information has been changing and is constantly under revision. For this reason, a review of the legislation, regulation and policies was embarked upon which led to the preparation of an overview of up to date information that we hope will be useful to those who plan to pursue the Canadian NHP system.