News / fake herbal supplements

I recently read this article in the New York Times about how many herbal supplement are not always what they seem:

"Canadian researchers tested 44 bottles of popular supplements sold by 12 companies. They found that many were not what they claimed to be, and that pills labeled as popular herbs were often diluted — or replaced entirely — by cheap fillers like soybean, wheat and rice." 

I can't say I am surprised by this and it is very clear to me that conscientious manufacturers, retailers and consumers need to be hyper vigilant when it comes to truth in labeling, quality of ingredients and labeling claims. Now, more than ever, it's important to know who you are buying from!  

Fire Cider is made with certified organic whole produce and spices, and raw, local, wildflower honey.  We use no extracts, adjuncts or additives of any kind in our production. The ingredients in the bottle are exactly what Fire Cider is, no more, no less. We produce in a shared community commercial kitchen called the Franklin County Community Development Corporation in Greenfield, MA. They follow all ServSafe guidelines, HACCP best practices, and of course local and state board of health regulations.

Our certified organic produce comes from Four Seasons produce out of Euphrates, PA.  Four Seasons is an independent family run business that focuses on certified organic produce as a cornerstone of their business model. They have developed relationships with their farmer partners for over 50 years. 

We just partnered with Windy Ridge Farm in Hawley, MA to financially support their Organic Certification application.  We aim to start purchasing their certified organic garlic and horseradish as soon as it's available.  We continue to seek out local farms and producers to partner with.

We source our certified organic vinegar from Golden Valley Vinegar out of Fruitland, ID. They are honest, hardworking American farmers who produce the highest quality apple cider vinegar in the country. They also supply Bragg's and many other organic producers across the country.

Shire City Herbals itself is certified organic by Bay State Organic Certifiers.  We (6 employees) make Fire Cider ourselves using all of the above ingredients. We are conscientious manufacturers who take great care in the handling and processing of all our ingredeints.  We track everything, keep meticulous records, confirming organic product labels and of course inspecting for quality.  Shots of fresh Fire Cider certainly keep us going at the end of a long kitchen day!  We follow all best practices in order to produce the highest quality, cleanest product. In short, we are in control of production every step of the way.  Make sure you know who is making your medicine and what is in it.  Cheers to your health and Beware the Underdose!