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INDUSTRY ASKS AOL FOR INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES TO PREVENT INTERNET EPHEDRA SALES TO MINORS
WASHINGTON (December 18, 2002) -Today, the
Ephedra industry called upon America Online (AOL) to prevent minors
from purchasing Ephedra dietary supplement products on the Internet.
In a letter to AOL Chairman and CEO Jonathan Miller released today,
the Ephedra Education Council (EEC), an industry group, stated,
"while scientific research confirms the safety and benefits
of Ephedra for adult weight loss, the potential that minors might
misuse Ephedra supplements is of concern to our industry. The EEC
and its members have consistently taken the position that these
products should not be sold or marketed to minors."
The Ephedra industry became aware of AOL's effort to curb teenagers
from purchasing products over the Internet that are not appropriate
for them. AOL recently launched new security measures that would
block teen access to inappropriate products through its partner
network. Parents will also be notified through Guardian, a new parental-control
service, about any purchases made from its partners of these products.
The letter continues, "the EEC would like to ask AOL to implement
similar security measures to block minors from purchasing Ephedra
dietary supplement products."
The letter further states, "the EEC and its members have also
continually urged governmental regulators to remove products (i.e.
"herbal ecstasy" and "magic mushroom") that are illegally
marketed as alternatives to illicit street drugs."
Finally, the letter concludes, "we would be glad to provide
AOL and its executives with experts who can discuss a number of
issues, including the potential for misuse of Ephedra dietary supplement
products by minors, and the marketing tactics for illegal products
masquerading as legal dietary supplement products."
Editor's Note: For copies of the letter, contact Richard Price at
202-789-1447 or at [email protected].
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About the Ephedra Education Council
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.
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