| The problem of adulteration/contamination of drugs imported from abroad is indeed a source for concern. This arguably occurs to an even greater extent with supplements and "alternative" drugs imported in the U.S., which are not tested as comprehensively as mainstream medical drugs for safety and effectiveness (if they are tested at all). For instance, Chinese herbal drugs have been found to contain unacceptable pesticide residues, toxic compounds not listed on the label and on numerous occasions have been adulterated with "Western" drugs (for instance, steroids) to make them more effective - but without the knowledge or consent of consumers. One former practitioner of Chinese medicine discusses the problem of heavy metal contamination of Chinese soils in which herbs are grown: "With all due respect to the few herbs on the American market that are actually tested, we must realize that such herbs are not being tested by independent outsiders, but rather by the very vested interests who sell those herbs. Many in the herbal community would not trust such a regulatory scheme if it involved your local water or soil, yet have no trouble dispensing huge amounts of herbs to their patients for profit. This is just one more reason, people should be very concerned about any longterm use of Chinese herbs." And recently, there was another revelation about heavy metal contamination and/or deliberate adulteration of Ayurvedic supplements, including those imported from abroad and even ones made in the U.S. - despite the fact that they were supposedly being tested by supplement companies to ensure safety. We definitely need tougher regulation and testing, both of domestic and imported drugs of whatever type, herbal or non-herbal. Meantime, beware of imported drugs and supplements that have minimal to no regulation under the current system. | 
