Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 8, 1994 TAG: 9410110019
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
``This bill resolves an extremely contentious issue,'' Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said before the House passed the bill by voice vote at 3 a.m. and sent it to the Senate.
The measure would require manufacturers of vitamins, minerals, herbal products and amino acids to follow for four years very strict government rules on product health claims - rules companies say constitute a ban.
The bill would set the first safety standard for dietary supplements: They must not pose a ``significant or unreasonable risk'' of injury if used as directed.
And makers of new products would have to show the Food and Drug Administration proof that they are safe 75 days before they go on the market, so FDA has a chance to fight any supplements it fears are dangerous.
Those provisions were the most fiercely fought in the two-year battle over the $4 billion industry. Companies contended FDA unfairly treated their mostly natural products as drugs, and spent $2.5 million lobbying Congress to change that. Critics charged the industry with selling snake-oil therapy.
Half of all Americans are estimated to consume dietary supplements, and about 2 million wrote Congress asking for legislation ensuring their access to the products.
But Friday, both sides were happy.
``Now dietary supplements will be regulated within a rational framework,'' said Michael Ford of the National Nutritional Foods Association.
``We are delighted,'' said Bruce Silverglade of the consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest. ``The bill preserves access to supplement ingredients while protecting consumers from misleading health claims and unsafe products.''
by CNB