Identify endangered species-friendly shops

Today Online 15 Aug 08;

ABOUT one in four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) companies in Singapore have pledged not to sell products derived from endangered species, according to the Animal Research and Education Society (Acres).

A total of 274 shops from 189 TCM companies, including Singapore Exchange-listed firm Eu Yan Sang, now display the Acres and Stoc (Singapore TCM Organisations Committee) endangered species-friendly label.

The label, launched in March 2007, helps consumers identify shops that do not sell products made from endangered species.

“We are mindful that in the process of assuring quality, we also act responsibly not to harm the environment. This is why we do not sell any parts of animals that are classified under the endangered species and are in full support of the initiative by Acres and Stoc,” said Mr Vincent Lim, managing director of the 128-year-old Eu Yan Sang.

Undercover Acres investigators have found alleged tiger bones, penises and paws, as well as bear products on sale here.

In 2006, 23 TCM shops or 20 per cent of those surveyed, offered bear products to Acres investigators, compared to 50 shops, or 73.5 per cent of those surveyed, in 2001.

While the investigations have shown a large drop in the sale of endangered species products for TCM in recent years, the continued presence of such trade fuels the exploitation of wildlife, Acres said.

Links

Acres website more about their work and programmes