12.01.05
A recent attempt by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) to attach a negative amendment regarding dietary supplements to H.R. 554, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, failed by a wide margin. H.R. 554 would block “frivolous lawsuits” originating from obesity claims in state and federal courts against a variety of groups, including manufacturers, trade associations or retailers. Civil lawsuits stemming from tainted food would not be blocked. Waxman’s failed amendment would have exempted from the bill “any claim or injury involving a dietary supplement related to a person’s weight gain, obesity or any health condition associated with weight gain or obesity.” Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT), one of the industry’s champions, debated Rep. Waxman on the floor, arguing that the amendment was not necessary to protect consumers. H.R. 554 went on to pass 306 to 120 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
—National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), 11/7/05
—National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), 11/7/05