Did I do the right thing?

faerie666

faerie666

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This is an e-mail I just sent to a very reputable feed company, do you think it was right, or am I an interfering old so-and-so?
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The e-mail explains what I'm on about, and I am 100% certain that I have my scientific facts straight. I felt this was actually quite a serious mistake on their part.
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I have changed the name of the actual product, as that would make it obvious which company it is (PM me if you want to know), suffice it to say, it's supposed to help grumpy mares.

So here goes:
"Dear Sir or Madam,

This is a query about ingredients in the X supplement.
After reading the ingredients list on a package of your X supplement in both English and German (I'm a native german speaker, but live in England), I'm concerned about 1 ingredient on the list. The ingredient in question is listed as "Vervain" in English, and as "Baldrian" in German. This is NOT correct! The correct translation to English for Baldrian(Valeriana officinalis) is "Valerian". The right German word for Vervain(Verbena officinalis)is Verbena. The two plants are not even related any closer than at Class level. Valerian, as I'm sure you are aware, is prohibited from use under FEI and Jockey Club rules, but the packaging of the supplement in question states that it contains no prohibited substances. Verbena on the other hand is fine.
I'm sure your product does not actually contain Valerian, but the mistranslation could lead some of your German speaking customers to believe that Valerian is legal in competition, or it could put them off buying the product.
However, if the German word is correct, your product could cause English speaking competitors to get into trouble if their horses test positive for Valerian. As a reputable company I'm sure you would not want either of these situations to occur, so I believe that the packaging needs to be amended.
Kind regards."

Would you have e-mailed them, or would you have left it alone?
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I think that's an important point to make, well done you! I'm sure people would want to know if they were unknowingly feeding their horse a banned substance. TBH though, what harm can come of it? You've done your bit so now the ball is in their court so to speak. They can either

a) action it, or
b) ignore it
 
no if i had found out the same thing i would do exactly the same...in essence all you are doing is asking for clarification...maybe they dont know???
 
Well done you for noticing. I think its a great email and you have worded it very nicely, I am certain they will act upon it and hopefully thank you for letting them know the facts.
 
Definitely done the right thing, imagine how a competition rider would feel if disqualified/banned. I think they should be thanking you profusely (and sending you lots and lots of free goodies). Well done
 
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Definitely done the right thing, imagine how a competition rider would feel if disqualified/banned. I think they should be thanking you profusely (and sending you lots and lots of free goodies). Well done

[/ QUOTE ]

I like your answer best so far, especially the bit about the free goodies
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Seriously though, I do hope they do something about it, as it's quite a big mistake to make, isn't it?
I will let you all know if/when I get a reply from them, and what they say.
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