June 23, 2010

A Congressional committee called for additional provisions to the pending Food Safety Act to ensure consumer safety, in response to a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation of herbal dietary supplements.

The GAO investigation uncovered improper advertising and marketing of herbal dietary supplements to the elderly, such as statements that certain products could treat, prevent, or cure certain medical conditions.  In the most alarming instance, supplement sellers gave potentially harmful medical advice. In addition, the investigation found pesticide residues and trace amounts of heavy metal contaminants in most of the supplements.

The findings were presented recently to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, which recommended additional provisions to the pending Food Safety Act to address quality and safety concerns. Some of the specific recommendations include mandatory manufacturer registration requirements; mandatory recall authority for the FDA; increased safety requirements for products; expanded efforts to reduce and eliminate contaminants; better information for both consumers and medical providers, such as clearer labeling; and additional funding for the FDA.

The GAO also forwarded its findings to the FDA and Federal Trade Commission for further review and possible action.

Summary of GAO Dietary Supplement Report (GAO)

Summary of Committee Hearing (Senate Special Committee on Aging)