Dna Barcoding

Newmaster paper that started NYAG ball rolling allowed to stand unchanged

14-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

A controversial paper that used a DNA testing methodology to allege widespread adulteration in herbal products has been allowed to stand unrevised, despite calls for its retraction.

Updated version

Despite dismal past, experts say DNA tests still hold great promise, though view is not universal

03-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

The use of DNA technology holds great promise for botanical ingredient identification, experts have said. But whether these tests are as yet fit for purpose is something still not universally accepted within the industry.

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”.

BMC journal launches investigation of 2013 Newmaster paper that sparked NY AG affair

04-Feb-2022 By Stephen Daniells

An explosive article published in Science alleges fraud against Dr Steven Newmaster, a botanist at the University of Guelph in Canada, and again calls into question the 2013 paper on which the damaging NY Attorney General’s investigation of herbal supplements...

Journal retracts botanical DNA barcoding paper by Newmaster

23-Nov-2021 By Stephen Daniells

A paper that concluded that DNA barcoding techniques were more cost-effective than traditional practices for identification of vegetation species has been retracted after the lead researcher – Dr Steven Newmaster – failed to respond to questions about...

Genome skimming approach shows promise in paper comparing DNA techniques

01-Feb-2021 By Hank Schultz

FDA scientists have advanced the state of the art in the use of DNA identification techniques in a paper focusing on the verification of echinacea supplements. A gene skimming approach tested in the study showed promise over the up-to-now benchmark DNA...

FDA working toward validated DNA methods for finished products, expert says

13-May-2019 By Hank Schultz

Significant progress continues to be made in fit for purpose DNA technology for the dietary supplement industry, according to an FDA expert.

Expert review: ‘DNA barcoding unsuitable as a stand-alone tool for identifying & authenticating botanicals’

13-Jul-2016 By Stephen Daniells

DNA barcoding to identify and authenticate botanical ingredients in dietary supplements should only be used in addition to other existing analytical methods, says a new expert review.

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.

GNC responds to industry questions about its NY AG deal with open letter from CEO

09-Apr-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Mike Archbold, CEO of GNC, has issued an open letter to the industry explaining its position in the wake of industry questions and criticism following the announcement that it had reached an agreement with the NY Attorney General.

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.

Updated: ABC calls for retraction of paper

Contamination & substitution present in many herbal products, but is DNA barcoding of herbals fit for purpose?

07-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Many North American herbal products may contain contaminants or substitute ingredients that are not listed on their labels, says a new DNA barcoding analysis, but a leading analytical lab has questioned the robustness of the methodology.