OHCO: Just curious! Are you done with Cold Snap?

CM: I have heard too many things about Chinese imports that are toxic, polluted, you name it.  I know you said you check it (hence the ambivalence), but I don't know the procedures you use or their effectiveness.  I am very sad, as I believe Cold Snap has really helped me fight off illnesses and I have strongly recommended it to others. If you ever use ingredients grown in the US or Europe, I will be back to using it in a second!

OHCO: Thanks so much for writing back. I've been wondering what you thought of the information and wasn't sure about the source of your concern. China is much harder to defend in some ways than the safety of the OHCO formulas.

Now that I see your field of work (Chyrelle is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist), I suspect that more detailed testing procedures will mean something to you. This information covers the Taiwan part of the process. Yes, 70% of the herbs are grown on the China mainland, but here's what we do with them!!!

Raw material tests cover origin, description, functional inspection, tissue identification, principal ingredients analysis, heavy metals limit test, and other related tests. Qualified slices are checked for weight and composition of the various elements before being dispensed into dosage forms. These dosages are formed into in-process products and then wait for additional examination and analysis before cooking. These are delivered to quarantine areas for further inspection according to product specification. Thin-layer chromatography is used to compare the in-process products with test samples. Measurements and photographs are used together with high-performance liquid chromatography. These include both qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The utmost caution is taken during production to prevent cross contamination between various contents. Strict control over fungus and other potential health hazards in the environment is exercised through rigorous programs of production and quality control. Waste water is treated by qualified waste water engineers. The water supply system and boiler apparatus are strictly regulated to prevent pollution from being imposed on the environment.

Finished product tests include weight loss in evaporation and drying; measurement of total ash content, measurement of acid-insoluble ash, measurement of dilute ethanol-soluble extractive, measurement of water-soluble extractive, inspection of foreign matter, and other identification tests. The products are finished here the U.S.

As you know, the U.S. is not immune from manufacturing mistakes. OHCO can't guarantee all Chinese imports but can document and trace its pipeline. The formulas are such top quality that OHCO can confidently conduct business, sleep at night, and give these herbs to our friends, pets and family.

CM: Thanks for the information. I seem to have had my fears allayed.  I woke up this a.m., felt a cold coming on and took the Cold Snap. Just realized I am feeling better - so even though I have "intellectual doubts" about Chinese products, I believe in your product.