Baeksuo (medicinal root) products sold in the market mostly bogus

-Cheaper root found in more than 60% of products -

  In the wake of the medicinal root Cynanchum Wilfordii Radis (known as “baeksuo” in Korean) being marketed as a remedy for menopausal symptoms, strengthening immunity and having antioxidant effects, baeksuo products instantly became popular among middle-aged female consumers. However, consumers need to be aware that most baeksuo products currently available in the market contain a cheaper root Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight (known as “iyeobupiso” in Korean) which is banned from use in food products.

  The Korea Consumer Agency (www.kca.go.kr) worked with the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police to investigate the authenticity of ingredients in 32 baeksuo products.

  According to the DNA test result, baeksuo (i.e. 9.4% of baeksuo powder) was used in only three products. Meanwhile, 12 products (37.5%) contained iyeobupiso and 9 products (28.1%) combined baeksuo and iyeobupiso. The remaining 8 products (25.0%) labeled that baeksuo was used but the actual ingredients used were unidentifiable.

  Whether or not baeksuo was used could not be confirmed for 2 of the 8 products. DNA testing during the manufacturing process is possible but baeksuo was not found (inconsistent with labeling).

  As for the remaining 6 products (5 were health supplements), whether iyeobupiso was used could not be confirmed as there was no DNA left in the final product.

  Accordingly, the KCA and the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police collected pre-processed baeksuo ingredients kept in Naturalendo Tech’s Icheon plant which supplies mixed extracts from medicinal plants such as baeksuo, and tests found iyeobupiso.

  Of note, it takes 2~3 years to grow baeksuo (vs. 1 year for iyeobupiso) and is more expensive (vs. iyeobupiso which is cheaper by one-third). In line with the sharp rise in demand for baeksuo, it appears iyeobupiso was used instead of baeksuo.

  In order to prevent safety accidents involving bogus baeksuo products, the KCA recommended business operators to voluntarily recall and discard the products. At present, 23 companies [21 companies in which products were found to contain iyeobupiso and 2 companies in which products did not contain baeksuo (inconsistent with labeling; DNA testing possible)] have recalled and discarded their products.

  However, Naturalendo Tech (which supplies ingredients to the 6 companies in which the use of baeksuo cannot be confirmed in finished products) is refusing to discard iyeobupiso ingredients kept at its Icheon plant. As such, the KCA will request investigation to the relevant authorities.

  In addition, the KCA is to request the Ministry of Drug and Food Safety to strengthen management and supervision of baeksuo used as food ingredients.