The dietary supplement industry should supply the government with more complete, timely and accurate data about the safety and effectiveness of its products, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said yesterday.
Responding to questions from reporters, he said the Food and Drug Administration is "somewhat hampered" by a lack of good data from the industry, the Associated Press reported.
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Dietary Supplements
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"We are unable to really do as effective a job as possible," Thompson said at a news conference about food safety. Unlike the manufacturers of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplement makers do not have to prove that their products are safe and effective or report adverse reactions to the federal government.
Critics have charged that leaves consumers vulnerable to unsafe products. The dietary supplement ephedra, which is sold as an energy booster and weight-loss aid, has come under the most criticism amid reports of serious side effects.
Thompson's comments came as the House Energy and Commerce oversight subcommittee opened two days of hearings on dietary supplements.
-- Rob Stein
