According to FDA, there has been an increase in drug counterfeiting activities in recent years. This counterfeiting represents a threat to public health because the finished drug products may closely resemble legitimate drugs, yet contain inactive ingredients, incorrect combinations of ingredients, improper dosages, erratic potencies or be contaminated. Although emu oil is not classified as a drug, there have been cases where the oil has been adulterated or cut with other ingredients and then an attempt has been made to pass the resulting product off as pure. “I’m afraid it is true,” said Gerald Edwards, president of the American Emu Association. “We have heard of cases where unscrupulous dealers have cut the emu oil with vegetable oil or some other ingredient and then tried to sell it to an unsuspecting products company.

established by the emu oil trade rules for Fully Refined at the time of processing. A sample is held in storage from each batch and can be pulled for testing if there is any question of product purity. The approved batch numbers are kept on file at the AEA office. For product companies purchasing

oil in bulk, seeing the seal, batch number and reviewing the Certificate of Analysis assures them that they are purchasing a pure, safe product to use in their health and beauty formulations. They can then pass this assurance on to their customers through use of the seal and batch number on their packaging.

Now in it's 5th year, the AEA Certified Fully Refined Emu Oil program is considered a success, with additional product companies registering for use of the seal each month.

The American Emu Association is a non-profit trade association representing the emu industry. The emu industry is an alternative agricultural industry, dominated by the small farmer, who is devoted to humane and environmentally positive practices that will produce beneficial products for society. For more information about the American Emu Association (AEA) or the emu industry visit www.aea-emu.org or call 541-332-0675.