Identification

U of Guelph clears Newmaster of misconduct, journal investigation of controversial paper continues

09-Jun-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Dr Steven Newmaster, a botanist at the University of Guelph (UG) in Canada, has been cleared of misconduct by a university investigation committee despite “many shortcomings” with his work and “a pattern of poor judgement”.

AHPA supports NIST in DNA testing program

30-Jun-2017 By Hank Schultz

A new government program being facilitated by the American Herbal Products Association will assess the reliability of current DNA techniques for botanical identification.

DNA barcoding is a critical part of improving the industry’s quality program, says NY AG’s office

18-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

The New York Attorney General’s Office believes DNA barcoding is still critical for testing herbal supplements, despite new studies showing the inadequacies of the technology.

Data confirms that DNA barcoding alone not suitable for finished dietary supplement products

15-Apr-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Two new studies have shown what many in industry have been claiming for a long time: DNA barcoding by itself is not an adequate method for analyzing botanical dietary supplements.

There's no easy answer to question of which test methods to use, forum attendees told

13-Nov-2015 By Hank Schultz

Despite pressure on the industry to rapidly adopt some form of DNA testing, the old question still remains:  Methods must be fit for purpose for the products being tested.  Attendees at a recent industry event were told that there’s still no quick answer...

GNC's agreement with Schneiderman sets bad precedent, observers say

30-Mar-2015 By Hank Schultz

The agreement that GNC Holdings Inc. reached with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in his investigation of herbal supplements sets a bad precedent for industry, observers say.

DNA barcoding and its reference materials

Gaia Herbs VP: An assay is only as good as the reference material

12-Feb-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

As questions swirl about the applicability of DNA barcoding for testing botanical extracts, other questions involve the reference materials used to test the products.

GNC, Walgreens, Target and Walmart sent cease and desist letters

‘Uninformed’, ‘inappropriate’ and ‘premature’: Industry experts round on NY AG’s action against major retailers over failed DNA tests for herbal supplements

03-Feb-2015 By Stephen Daniells

The New York Attorney General has sent letters to GNC, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens telling them to stop selling some herbal supplements after DNA tests found 79% didn’t contain the labeled substance or contained other non-listed ingredients. Analytical...