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Ethical review of human experimentation in the consumer products industry
1Central Ethical Compliance Group, Unilever NV/plc, Unilever Research and Engineering Division, London, UK.
Background:
Ethical review of human experimentation in the consumer products industry is important and provides instructive parallels and contrasts with clinical medical research. The procedures used in Unilever NV/plc are described.
Methods:
A central body sets standards for and monitors compliance with ethical review of human studies throughout Unilever. Guidance has been produced on many topics including issues applying generally to human experimentation and more specifically to the consumer products sector.
Results:
Deficiencies and inconsistencies in the procedures for ethical review and the care of subjects during the conduct of studies have been identified and corrected. Appropriate uniform standards have been achieved across all Unilever operations.
Conclusion:
All human experimentation in the industry needs adequate ethical review. Although the methods used by individual companies may differ, procedures must ensure uniform high standards across a global industry.