Save to favorites
This feature is restricted to active members.
Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,400 reviews.
Join NowAlready a member? Sign in here.
ConsumerLab.com expands testing to Japan — Testing Organization Expands to Help Japanese Consumers Determine Quality of Health and Nutrition Products
WHITE PLAINS, NY — Tuesday, December 14, 2004 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that it would begin testing products sold in Japan. Its first report is due out in early spring. In the U.S. and Canada, ConsumerLab.com's information is widely used by consumers, health professionals and retailers and is frequently cited in the media. It has tested over 1,100 supplements and nutritional products since 1999. Reports on Japanese products will be available through the company's popular website, www.consumerlab.com, along with Japanese translations of many of its U.S reviews.
"Like the U.S., Japan does not regulate most supplements as drugs nor does it require third party testing before products are sold to the public", stated Tod Cooperman, ConsumerLab.com's President. "In fact, some Japanese consumers purchase health supplements directly from the U.S. as they consider them of higher quality than domestic products. It's time to help Japanese consumers identify the best quality products in their market."
Problems have been reported with supplements in Japan. In 2002, several people died, and many more were hospitalized, due to liver disease linked to a popular weight loss supplement. Separately, a Japanese consumer advocacy group tested ginkgo biloba products in 2000 and found a large percentage to lack the dose known to be effective or to have other quality or labeling problems.
During 2005, ConsumerLab.com will purchase and test scores of popular products in Japan. Initial product categories to be reviewed include CoQ10, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, multivitamins, and probiotics. Over 30 top categories of products will be analyzed on an ongoing basis. ConsumerLab.com will include products sold as pills, drinks, tonics, teas, powders and other forms popular in Japan. Testing will also be available on a voluntary basis to manufacturers and distributors. Many of the leading manufacturers and distributors in the U.S. currently participate in ConsumerLab.com's voluntary testing program, seeking inclusion on ConsumerLab.com's well-regarded list of Approved Quality products.
More information about ConsumerLab.com's program in Japan is available from Elena Yoo (Elena.Yoo@consumerlab.com), Japan Manager, or Lisa Sabin, Vice President of Business Development (lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com). ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in White Plains, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. The paperback ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online, or through 800-431-1579.
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2004. All rights reserved.
— END —
back to top
"Like the U.S., Japan does not regulate most supplements as drugs nor does it require third party testing before products are sold to the public", stated Tod Cooperman, ConsumerLab.com's President. "In fact, some Japanese consumers purchase health supplements directly from the U.S. as they consider them of higher quality than domestic products. It's time to help Japanese consumers identify the best quality products in their market."
Problems have been reported with supplements in Japan. In 2002, several people died, and many more were hospitalized, due to liver disease linked to a popular weight loss supplement. Separately, a Japanese consumer advocacy group tested ginkgo biloba products in 2000 and found a large percentage to lack the dose known to be effective or to have other quality or labeling problems.
During 2005, ConsumerLab.com will purchase and test scores of popular products in Japan. Initial product categories to be reviewed include CoQ10, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, multivitamins, and probiotics. Over 30 top categories of products will be analyzed on an ongoing basis. ConsumerLab.com will include products sold as pills, drinks, tonics, teas, powders and other forms popular in Japan. Testing will also be available on a voluntary basis to manufacturers and distributors. Many of the leading manufacturers and distributors in the U.S. currently participate in ConsumerLab.com's voluntary testing program, seeking inclusion on ConsumerLab.com's well-regarded list of Approved Quality products.
More information about ConsumerLab.com's program in Japan is available from Elena Yoo (Elena.Yoo@consumerlab.com), Japan Manager, or Lisa Sabin, Vice President of Business Development (lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com). ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in White Plains, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. The paperback ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online, or through 800-431-1579.
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2004. All rights reserved.
— END —
back to top
Members of the media contact may contact media@consumerlab.com or call the ConsumerLab.com main number (914-722-9149). Please include the name of your news organization when contacting us.
