Thai authorities warned consumers about fake green Chiretta capsules after a man in Nakhon Pathom province was arrested with capsules containing a substance unrelated to “Fa Talai Jone” (green Chiretta herb).
The Consumer Protection Police Department and the Food and Drug Administration said Thanachote (surname not disclosed) was arrested the day before yesterday at a house in Nakhon Pathom’s Kamphaeng Saen district.
Authorities found 450 jars of capsules believed to contain the green chiretta, about 60,000 capsules of herbal powder, 300 unlabeled packs of capsules and 6,000 empty bottles with caps. Authorities believe the fake green chiretta capsules were made in the house.
The suspect quickly confessed that he had filled empty capsules with powdered tinospora crispa, a poppy seed herb with heart-shaped leaves or ‘borafet’ in Thai, because it had a bitter taste like green chiretta.
the pl. FDA Secretary-General Supatra Boonserm said shortages of green chiretta products amid high demand for the medicinal herb led to fake products being manufactured.
She advised consumers to check out FDA-approved products at www.fda.moph.go.th or via the Oryor Smart mobile application.
Major General Nathasak Chaonasai, commander of the Police Department for Consumer Protection, said producers of fake herbal products could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Baht 1 million. In addition, the illegal sale of herbs is prohibited and this violation can also be punished with three years in prison and a fine of up to 300,000 baht.
Last week, the cabinet approved the use of green chiretta for the treatment of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
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