Special Edition: Botanicals
The mixed fortunes of the NY AG 7
NY AG Eric Schneiderman announced his probe on February 2, 2015 with cease & desist letters to 4 major retailers. DNA tests found 79% of tested herbal products (Echinacea, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Saw Palmetto, St John’s wort and Valerian) didn’t contain the labeled substance or contained other non-listed ingredients.
Analytical experts and industry veterans were quick to slam the choice of DNA barcoding for botanical extracts.
Sales data provided by SPINS reveals mixed performance for the herbs since then, with Echinacea, garlic and ginkgo all posting year-on-year growth, but ginseng and Saw Palmetto have posted declines since 2014.