(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President & CEO Scott Melville released the following statement today in response to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin introducing the Dietary Supplement Listing Act:
“CHPA is disappointed with the limited scope of this legislative proposal. Having worked closely with federal lawmakers to underscore the critical need for dietary supplement regulatory reform, CHPA remains hopeful a more comprehensive approach that cracks down on illegal activity and better protects consumers is achievable in this or the next Congress. Unfortunately, this bill would not have that effect. This is especially disappointing considering the Senator’s recent attention to resolve issues such as tianeptine, which this bill would not address.
“While we agree that Mandatory Product Listing (MPL) is a good first step, it is simply not enough as a stand-alone measure. Under this bill as currently written, FDA would still lack the resources and authority needed to quickly and efficiently remove illegal products like tianeptine from the market, and because it fails to present a comprehensive framework, it would do nothing to prevent criminals from simply removing the term ‘dietary supplement’ from their label to avoid the MPL requirement.
“We appreciate the Senator’s initial willingness to come to the table on this issue but cannot support a proposal that fails to achieve these critical priorities and burdens responsible industry. As we approach 30 years of DSHEA, the time is ripe for a more comprehensive approach to regulatory modernization, and CHPA is committed to working with Congress on effective proposals that will promote consumer safety and enhance public health.”
