I bought chrysanthemum from two medical halls and found that the taste is quite different although the chry-santhemum is of the same type.

Scandals involving sub-standard food/medicine produced in China are a cause for concern.

For products like canned food where the country of origin is indicated on the goods, consumers can decide whether to purchase them.

However, when it comes to TCM, such products come largely from China and customers do not have much of a choice.

Do the authorities conduct regular sampling tests on TCM products sold in medical halls?

I am given to understand that in Taiwan, members of the public can send foodstuff, including medicine, to a government laboratory for testing, to ensure the products are safe.

Is there such an agency in Singapore? If not, how could members of the public address the issue of safety of the foodstuff that we consume?

Lee Yuet Lai (Ms)