Media Center

News Releases

MANDATORY LABELS AND GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES REGULATIONS 'WELCOMED BUT LONG OVERDUE' SAYS EPHEDRA INDUSTRY

STATEMENT FROM THE EPHEDRA EDUCATION COUNCIL

WASHINGTON (October 10, 2002 ) - On October 8, 2002, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requested the strongest possible warning labels and good manufacturing practices regulations for Ephedra dietary supplement products. In response, Wes Siegner, general counsel to the Ephedra Education Council, today issued the following statement:

"The HHS announcement on warning labels and good manufacturing practices regulations (GMPs) is welcomed. Responsible industry members recognize and agree that these measures, and in particular GMPs, are long overdue. We are one of the few industries that has urged the federal government for stronger regulations and enforcement of existing requirements. Consumer safety is a top priority for us, and having appropriate regulations, and enforcement of those regulations, will promote consumer confidence in the safety and benefits of Ephedra dietary supplements and other natural supplements as well.

"For many years, the responsible manufacturers and distributors of Ephedra dietary supplements have fought for uniformity within the industry. However, in the absence of federal government action, those industry members adopted national standards for warning labels and serving limits, supported state laws codifying these standards and worked hard to implement industry-wide GMPs.

"The industry also welcomes FDA's aggressive enforcement of the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) against rogue Ephedra products that are marketed for improper or illicit purposes and that target minors, such as Yellow Jackets. Our industry's national standards prohibit such activity and also warn against use of Ephedra products to minors."

###

The Ephedra Education Council (EEC) is supported primarily by members of the Ephedra Committee of the American Herbal Products Association, a recognized leader in promoting the safe and responsible marketing of dietary supplements. The Council provides factual information to the media and public about dietary supplements containing Ephedra. For more information, logon to www.EphedraFacts.com.

Back to top