On Saturday September 21st, 2013, the following press release was distributed commenting on the change to the labelling standards for homeopathic nosodes by Health Canada:

Health Canada Acts on Concerns of Bad Science Watch, Nosodes get Warning

New guidelines require homeopathic nosode products to feature a warning message, cautioning consumers against their use as vaccine alternatives.

Toronto, ON September 21, 2013 – Bad Science Watch announced an important victory today in their campaign against misleading advertising of nosodes, also known as “homeopathic vaccines”. Health Canada has acted on the consumer protection organization’s criticism of new guidelines for nosode licensing, and will now require product packaging to feature the warning “This product is not intended to be an alternative to vaccination.”

Bad Science Watch participated in the stakeholder consultation on the draft guidelines, submitting a highly critical document arguing against the lack of distinction made between nosode products and vaccines, the ease of misinterpretation by the consumer, and the lack of acknowledgement of the harms posed by these products when used instead of vaccination. The document was produced as part of the organization’s successful Stop Nosodes campaign which brought awareness of the issue to medical professionals across the country and generated forceful debate in the national media.

Nosodes are homeopathic preparations made from diseased tissue, pus, blood, or excretions of a sick person or animal. Many homeopaths and naturopaths offer them as an alternative to vaccination, but there is no evidence they can protect against disease.

“This new warning message will help consumers make better informed health choices, and dissuade retailers and homeopathy practitioners from spreading the misconception that these products have been approved as vaccine alternatives.” said Michael Kruse, campaign director and Board Chair. “It’s a small step, but we are glad that the NHPD has recognized the problem of widespread promotion and use of nosodes as vaccine alternatives.”

Bad Science Watch plans to continue advocating for clearer labelling and stronger enforcement of marketing standards for homeopathic preparations and other natural health products.

Bad Science Watch is an independent consumer protection organization dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by advocating for good science in public policy. Bad Science Watch has been running the Stop Nosodes campaign since April, 2013. More information can be found at www.badsciencewatch.ca and www.stopnosodes.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jamie Williams

Executive Director

1-888-742-3299 ext. 102

jwilliams@badsciencewatch.ca

www.badsciencewatch.ca