Reporting a Problem With a Traditional Product or Practitioner
Where to report a harmful reaction, a bad product or a practitioner problem in the United States and United Kingdom, based on FDA, MHRA and state medical board pages, and what helps a report.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Urgent first
If someone is having a serious reaction, get help before reporting anything. In the US, call 911 for an emergency, and Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for a suspected poisoning (see Poison Help by country). Reporting can wait until the person is safe. In the US, 988 is the number for emotional crisis. [1]Why reporting matters
Supplements and many traditional products are not approved by regulators before sale in the US. The FDA says that makes it particularly important for consumers, health professionals and industry to report adverse events so it can evaluate the marketplace and take action on possibly unsafe products. [2] Your report is not a complaint about your own choice; it helps protect other people. This page covers routes we could read. Rules and agencies differ elsewhere.First steps
- Stop using the product if you think it caused a serious reaction. The FDA's supplement page says to stop using the product immediately and fill out a safety report. [2]
- Get medical care if you need it, and tell the clinician exactly what you used.
- Keep the packaging and note what you took and when, so you can give details when you report.
- Choose the right reporting route below.
Which route fits which problem
| Problem | Where to report (as read) |
|---|---|
| Illness or allergic reaction from a US dietary supplement, including herbal supplements, or a quality defect | FDA Safety Reporting Portal. [3] |
| Reaction to a medicine, medical device or similar product | FDA MedWatch, which accepts reports from patients and professionals. [3] |
| A product that claims to cure or treat a disease but is not proven | FDA health fraud scams page; the FDA says health fraud scams can lead to delays in proper diagnosis and treatment. [4] |
| Misleading advertising for a dietary supplement | The Federal Trade Commission. [2] |
| Problem with a medicine, vaccine, medical device or blood product in the UK | Yellow Card scheme run by the MHRA; anyone can report. [5] |
| Problem with a doctor's conduct in the US | The state medical board. The Federation of State Medical Boards directory links each board's website and complaint page. [6] |
The FDA says supplement labels must list a domestic address or phone number for reporting serious adverse events to the company. [7] Companies must forward serious reports to FDA. [7]
What the FDA considers serious
The FDA's list of serious reactions to a supplement includes hives or swelling of the throat, lips or tongue; fainting or chest pain; severe persistent vomiting or diarrhea; dark urine; yellowing of the skin or eyes; abnormal bleeding; and stroke signs. [2] These are examples, not a full list, and anything that worries you is worth reporting.Reporting a practitioner
For healers and practitioners who are not doctors, the right body depends on the profession and place. In some places a profession is licensed by a state or national board; in others it is unregulated. We only read the FSMB directory for medical boards, so for acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, herbalists or traditional healers check your own state, province or country's regulator. Do not assume someone is licensed. See how to check a traditional practitioner and credentials, licensing and scope of practice. If a healer is part of your community and you wish to resolve a problem within it, that is your choice; it does not stop you from reporting a product or seeking care.What to say in a report
Say what the product or practice was, the brand or label wording, the lot number if shown, when you used it, what happened, and what care you needed. The FDA notes that complete reports are the most helpful but even pieces of information can help identify potentially dangerous products. [2]More help
The site's page on reporting adverse events from therapies covers practices such as acupuncture and massage, and side effects, allergic reactions and reporting covers supplements. Tell your clinician too: talking to your doctor.Frequently asked questions
Where do I report a bad reaction to an herbal supplement in the US?
The FDA directs consumers and health professionals to its Safety Reporting Portal for supplement adverse events and quality defects. [3]
Can anyone report to the UK Yellow Card scheme?
Yes. The MHRA says anyone can report an issue with a medicine, vaccine, medical device, blood product or e-cigarette. [5]
Do I need to be sure the product caused the problem?
The sources we read do not require proof of cause. The FDA asks you to report if you think a supplement may have caused a serious reaction. [2]
Can I report a misleading ad for a remedy?
For dietary supplement advertising in the US, the FDA points people to the Federal Trade Commission. [2]
Is reporting voluntary?
For consumers and health professionals in the US, the FDA describes supplement reports as voluntary. [3]
References
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Lifeline. Read 2026-10-22.
- FDA. How to Report a Problem with Dietary Supplements (content current as of 03/13/2025). Read 2026-10-22.
- FDA. How to Report a Non-Emergency. Read 2026-10-22.
- FDA. Health Fraud Scams. Read 2026-10-22.
- MHRA. Yellow Card scheme. Read 2026-10-22.
- Federation of State Medical Boards. Contact a State Medical Board. Read 2026-10-22.
- FDA. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.