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Tue 05 May 2004IMB to impose controls on herbal medicinesRegulations: Controversial new controls on the sale of herbal medicines are to be implemented in Ireland by the semi-state body with responsibility for regulating medical and veterinary products, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB).The new regulatory system marks another step in the Europe-wide move to limit the availability of herbal medicines and food supplements, say natural health campaigners. At present, there is no regulatory system for such medicines but a recently approved EU directive on traditional herbal medicines requires all member-states to implement a harmonised system.