07.01.11
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Washington, D.C., said it opposes S. 1310, the Dietary Supplement Labeling Act of 2011, which was recently introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL).
Steve Mister, president and CEO, CRN, said the “misguided” bill “doesn’t address the concerns raised by Senator Durbin, but instead creates more bureaucracy for an already resource-challenged agency and more red tape and costs for industry while doing nothing to further protect consumers from his concerns. Instead of urging FDA to use its current enforcement authority to isolate and punish those companies that are not following the law, this bill serves to punish all responsible companies with its overreaching mandates.
“The bill contains duplicative requirements that already exist under current law that gives FDA the proper legal authority to take action to protect consumers and maintain safety standards,” he continued. “FDA needs to continue working toward becoming a more efficient steward of its resources, and we continuously call on the agency to use its power under the law. We urge Senator Durbin to join us in that effort.”
Mr. Mister went on to say that FDA is already overworked, underfunded and currently struggling to accomplish its goals. “Further, in the midst of an economic downturn and a robust debate on the state of health in America, Senator Durbin along with many of his colleagues, have correctly indicated that well-care instead of sick-care is the direction that America must move towards in seeking to lower healthcare related expenses and burdens. This legislation only removes us from that path by placing undue hurdles in front of legitimate manufacturers, suppliers and sellers of dietary supplements that promote good health and wellness.”
“It is our sincere hope that FDA will be given the resources it needs to enforce the laws already on the books,” he added. “FDA must prioritize its enforcement efforts, address those companies that flout the law and be held accountable for the laws and regulations it is already expected to enforce.”
Mr. Mister noted that CRN has worked with Senator Durbin in the past on legislation that gives consumers access to safe products. “We hope to be able to find future common ground with the Senator. But not with this bill.”
Steve Mister, president and CEO, CRN, said the “misguided” bill “doesn’t address the concerns raised by Senator Durbin, but instead creates more bureaucracy for an already resource-challenged agency and more red tape and costs for industry while doing nothing to further protect consumers from his concerns. Instead of urging FDA to use its current enforcement authority to isolate and punish those companies that are not following the law, this bill serves to punish all responsible companies with its overreaching mandates.
“The bill contains duplicative requirements that already exist under current law that gives FDA the proper legal authority to take action to protect consumers and maintain safety standards,” he continued. “FDA needs to continue working toward becoming a more efficient steward of its resources, and we continuously call on the agency to use its power under the law. We urge Senator Durbin to join us in that effort.”
Mr. Mister went on to say that FDA is already overworked, underfunded and currently struggling to accomplish its goals. “Further, in the midst of an economic downturn and a robust debate on the state of health in America, Senator Durbin along with many of his colleagues, have correctly indicated that well-care instead of sick-care is the direction that America must move towards in seeking to lower healthcare related expenses and burdens. This legislation only removes us from that path by placing undue hurdles in front of legitimate manufacturers, suppliers and sellers of dietary supplements that promote good health and wellness.”
“It is our sincere hope that FDA will be given the resources it needs to enforce the laws already on the books,” he added. “FDA must prioritize its enforcement efforts, address those companies that flout the law and be held accountable for the laws and regulations it is already expected to enforce.”
Mr. Mister noted that CRN has worked with Senator Durbin in the past on legislation that gives consumers access to safe products. “We hope to be able to find future common ground with the Senator. But not with this bill.”