WITH regard to the letter, 'Are checks made on TCM products sold here?' by Ms Lee Yuet Lai (ST, Jan 30), allow me to share my understanding of this matter:

First, what is generally referred to as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can actually be divided into two groups: Chinese raw herbs and Chinese proprietary medicines.

The former refers to natural herbs, health supplements or food tonics, which are common on the Chinese dining table and sold in the market. They include items such as chrysanthemum or barley.

The latter refers to finished products of Chinese medicine, which usually come in the form of tablets, capsules or liquid. These are regulated by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Responding to Ms Lee's concerns over taste differences between the two packets of chrysanthemum, I am unable to confirm the superiority of one over the other without additional information . However, I do know the taste of chrysanthemum is not homogenous. There are many possible factors for its taste profile. Different types of chrysanthemum flowers are cultivated in different Chinese provinces. The way of processing and packing also contributes to the final taste.

With regard to the local TCM industry, the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee was set up in 1995 under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and HSA. To date, the Singapore TCM College, set up by the committee, has accredited more than 1,000 trade practitioners throughout Singapore with the primary objective of improving the quality and knowledge of TCM.

On issues pertaining to TCM products, members of the public can approach the TCM College with their queries. The address and contact details of the college are as follows:

TCM College Singapore
Spring Singapore Building #11-00
Jalan Bukit Merah Central
Singapore 159835
Tel: 6227-9969 Fax: 6224- 1995
E-mail: tcmcollege@yahoo.com.sg

Lee Tiong Sa
Chairman
Singapore TCM Organisations Committee

This letter was first published in The Straits Times on Feb 6, 2008.