The TGA has announced that deer velvet antler and slice, from two species of deer farmed in New Zealand, is now permitted as an active ingredient in listed medicines. Deer velvet has a long history of use as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicines (Source: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011L02069).

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. The TGA laboratories has confirmed the presence of an Sildenafil derivate in a product called Maxidus, promoted by a USA dietary supplement company for male erectile dysfunction. As usual, Australian consumers are warned against buying herbal tablets over the internet which have not been included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

The NZ Natural Health Products Bill is intended to regulate “therapeutic type dietary supplements” (as opposed to food-type, which are now covered by a Food Standard).

Read more: New Zealand Natural Health Products Bill passes first reading (17 October 2011).

Sydney based sunscreen experts Dermatest have updated their website to include a map-based reference for different countries' sunscreen requirements.

Read more: Australian sunscreen experts release a global guide to test requirements (10 August 2011)