What critical information should be included on the label of herbal products?

The most critical information that should be included on the label of herbal products is the ingredients list. This includes not only the active herbal components but also any inactive ingredients or fillers that may be present in the product. An ingredients list is essential for consumers to make informed decisions, especially those with allergies or sensitivities to certain substances. It also helps in ensuring that the product meets the claims made by the manufacturer regarding its formulation and therapeutic effects.

Although manufacturing dates and batch numbers are important for quality control and tracking purposes in the supply chain, they are secondary to consumers' immediate need to know what is actually in the product they are considering for use. Consumer reviews, while potentially helpful, do not constitute critical information required for safety or efficacy and are not standardized information that would be regulated on product labels. Hence, the ingredients list is paramount in facilitating safe use and accountability in herbal product consumption.