FOR RELEASE: July 25, 1997
Contact: Susan Lang
Office: (607) 255-3613
Internet: [email protected]
Compuserve: Larry Bernard 72650,565
http://www.news.cornell.edu
ITHACA, N.Y. -- If the Presidential Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels
has its way, consumers soon will have much more access to scientific
information about the benefits and need for dietary supplements, which
include vitamins, minerals and a vast array of botanical products.
The commission, chaired by Malden C. Nesheim, Ph.D., professor of
nutritional sciences emeritus and provost emeritus at Cornell University,
released its draft report for public comment in late June. The public has
until Aug. 8 to make comments. Among its many recommendations, the
commission called for more scientific research on supplements, provided
guidelines for scientific substantiation of any statements of nutritional
support and for government surveillance to identify safety issues. Product
safety, the commission stated, should be ensured by the supplement
industry. The commission also called for the supplement industry to
establish an expert advisory committee to review label claims and provide
guidance on safety, benefits and labeling.
Since dietary supplements are not regulated as drugs, labels and package
inserts, the commission recommended, should make no nutrient/disease links
but rather should provide useful information about the product's intended
use and its role in humans without suggesting disease prevention or
treatment.
"Our goal was to ensure that consumers will be able to make informed
choices about dietary supplements," said Nesheim, a specialist in nutrition
and public-health issues who was appointed by President Clinton in 1995 to
chair the commission. The draft report calls for greater access by
consumers to the evidence that forms the basis for claims made for
supplement products.
The seven-member commission, established by the Dietary Supplement Health
and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), was charged with reviewing and
developing recommendations for label claims and statements for dietary
supplements. In September, the final report will go to the president,
Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services. The Food and
Drug Administration is then required to respond and draft regulations
accordingly.
Copies of the report may be obtained by calling (301) 650-0382 or faxing
(301) 650-0398.
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