News report: Judge Strikes Down FDA Ban on Ephedra

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ephedra_suit_8

 

Judge Strikes Down FDA Ban on Ephedra

 

By MARK THIESSEN, Associated Press Writer

 

SALT LAKE CITY - A federal judge Thursday struck down the FDA ban on ephedra,

the

once-popular weight-loss aid that was yanked from the market after it was linked

to

dozens of deaths.

 

The judge ruled in favor of a Utah company that challenged the Food and Drug

Administration's ban. Utah-based Nutraceutical claimed in its lawsuit that

ephedra " has

been safely consumed " for hundreds of years.

 

Supplements that included ephedra have been widely used for weight loss and

bodybuilding, but have linked to 155 deaths, including that of Baltimore Orioles

pitching

prospect Steve Bechler. The FDA ordered the substance off the market in April

2004.

 

Judge Tena Campbell's ruling sends the matter back to the FDA " for further

rulemaking

consistent with the court's opinion " and keeps the agency from enforcement

action against

the companies.

 

FDA officials did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

 

Company president Bruce Hough said the decision is about " protecting the

public's access

to safe and effective dietary supplements. "