DSHEA Full Implementation and Enforcement Act of 2003- S.1538

[Guest guest]

I would still like to read this bill, but is a very positive step to

counteract S. 722.

Be Well,

Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

DSHEA Full Implementation and Enforcement Act of 2003 (S.

1538).

 

THIS IS THE LETTER TO BE SENT ( To your elected representatives), GO

TO THE WEBSITE for easy sending:

http://capwiz.com/nnfa/mail/compose/

 

 

As your constituent, I urge you to support a very important bill

from Senators Tom Harkin and Orrin Hatch, the DSHEA Full

Implementation and Enforcement Act of 2003 (S. 1538).

 

This bill will give the Food and Drug Administration the resources

it needs to enforce the current law, the Dietary Supplement Health

and Education Act of 1994.

 

Even though the two most recent FDA commissioners have said that

they have the power to ensure dietary supplements are safe for

American consumers, this agency has fallen short when it comes to

enforcement.

 

This bill will eliminate the FDA's excuse that it doesn't have

enough staff or money to uphold the law. It will also hold the FDA

accountable by requiring the agency to file annual reports to

Congress about how DSHEA is being implemented.

 

In addition, the Harkin/Hatch bill would also provide much-needed

funding for research and consumer education to the National

Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements.

 

Please support Senators Harkin and Hatch in their efforts to pass

this bill and please also consider becoming a co-sponsor.

 

As much as I would like you to support S. 1538, I urge you to oppose

S. 722, the so-called Dietary Supplement " Safety " Act, introduced by

Senator Richard Durbin. Despite its title, this bill allows no more

consumer protection than DSHEA already provides.

 

It does, however, contain new and discretionary enforcement powers

that would significantly undermine many of the freedoms that

American consumers of dietary supplements - like myself - hold dear.

 

I am deeply concerned that S. 722 would subject nearly all vitamins,

minerals, herbal products and other supplements to a level of

scrutiny that is both unwarranted and unnecessary.

 

Products that have been used safely and beneficially for hundreds -

and in some cases, thousands - of years would be subject to clinical

evaluation using standards that are at the complete discretion of

the FDA.

 

Instead of changing a good law, Congress should instead help the FDA

to do a better job enforcing it by providing the resources the

agency needs to make full use of its more-than-adequate authority as

granted by DSHEA.

 

In closing, I ask you support the S. 1538 and help the FDA fully

utilize DSHEA. I also ask that you oppose the extreme and

unnecessary legislation proposed by Senator Durbin, S. 722.

 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this important matter.