Botanica says it made ‘no misleading claims’
A maker of herbal creams, washes and sprays for horses has removed all medicinal claims from its website after being reprimanded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Botanica International, based in Co. Down, was issued with an improvement notice by the VMD in July.
It was told to amend similar medicinal claims found in its marketing and on social media.
The government agency also said Botanica is required to provide written confirmation that no further claims for the treatment or prevention of adverse health conditions in animals will be made for its products “without the proper authorisation”.
The company’s founder, Sean Cooney, said the VMD was objecting to testimonials from “satisfied customers about the beneficial effects of using Botanica products”.
He said the Botanica website has been adjusted to meet all the government agency’s requirements.
“The claims were not made by us but were from satisfied customers, veterinary surgeons and top international racing trainers,” said Mr Cooney.
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He showed H&H letters endorsing his products from some racehorse trainers.
“This year we treated a top trainer’s horses which were suffering from skin problems. Nothing worked till he used Botanica’s cleansing wash and natural herbal cream,” claimed Mr Cooney.
“We have never made false or misleading claims about any of our products. It is very frustrating that we cannot publish testimonials showing how happy people are with our products,” he added.
Farmer’s son Sean Cooney set up Botanica International in 2005. He has studied agricultural science and makes all the products at a factory in Co. Down.
The top seller in the Botanica range is a natural herbal cream and cleansing wash used on cracked heals and for mud fever.
The products are based on a combination of natural ingredients including tea tree, lavender, aloe vera, comfry oil, cedarwood, neem and do not need a licence to be sold.
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