Sen. Durbin To Introduce Bill To Tighten FDA Regulation Of Dietary Supplements

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced he will introduce a bill requiring the FDA to regulate the number of beverages and foods being marketed as dietary supplements, often taregting young adults. The Dietary Supplement Labeling Act would improve the information available to consumers and “curb the prevalence of drinks and foods that are masquerading as dietary supplements” that may contain potentially dangerous ingredients not approved by the FDA. Durbin said makers of dietary supplements that contain additives currently do not have to prove their products are safe before putting them on the market. A key provision of the bill is a requirement that the FDA define what a conventional food is so foods marketed as health aids could be better regulated.