Final answer:
Herbal and dietary supplements in Canada are regulated as natural health products by Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations. Manufacturers must obtain a license by proving the supplement's safety, efficacy, and quality. Canadian regulations ensure ongoing monitoring and high manufacturing standards for these supplements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regulations governing the marketing of herbal and dietary supplements in Canada are established by Health Canada. Supplements are considered natural health products (NHPs) and are regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR), which came into effect in 2004. Under these regulations, all NHPs must be licensed before they can be legally sold in Canada. To obtain a license, a manufacturer must provide detailed information, including the product's ingredients, source, potency, purity, and dosage, as well as evidence supporting any health claims made about the product.
The regulatory framework ensures that products are safe, effective, and of high quality. Manufacturers must also follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which means products are manufactured to high standards and are free of contaminants and adulterants. Post-marketing surveillance is also a key aspect of the regulations, requiring companies to monitor and report any adverse effects associated with their products. This system contrasts with the FDA's oversight in the United States, where the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) does not require pre-market approval for dietary supplements.
Canadian consumers are protected by these stringent NHP regulations, which offer peace of mind regarding the safety and efficacy of the herbal and dietary supplements available in Canadian markets.