FDA Announces New Dietary Supplement Safety Rules

The FDA announced on Friday new manufacturing regulations for vitamins, herbs, and other dietary supplements, after years of pressure from consumer advocates.

Under the new rules, supplement companies will have to test their products to ensure they aren’t contaminated and contain the ingredients listed on the label. Large companies most comply with the new regulations by next summer, those with less than 200 employees have until June 2009, and companies with 20 employees or less have until 2010.

The move follows several recent cases of adulterated supplements. Last year, some supplements marketed for erectile dysfunction were contained undeclared active ingredients found in prescription drugs.

The FDA is seeking public comment on the rule. The comment period ends on September 24, 2007.