10.01.13
Washington D.C.-based Natural Products Association (NPA), responded to an October Consumer Reports article on the “do’s and don’ts” of vitamins and supplements. John Shaw, CEO of NPA, stated, “It’s highly unfortunate that a publication dedicated to serving consumers’ best interests would run a story that gets the facts wrong on dietary supplements. This article from Consumer Reports is peppered with factual inaccuracies and misleading blanket statements that could scare consumers out of taking products that can benefit their health.”
He added that the inclusion of “false, sweeping declarations” was negligent, specifically taking issue with the report linking vitamin E to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Mr. Shaw further argued the report’s suggestion that dietary supplements are not safe or accurately labeled is false. “In actuality, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does require supplements to be safe and label claims to be accurate, otherwise the product is considered adulterated. Additionally, dietary supplement manufacturers are required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices and are regularly inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adherence to these regulations that require testing of ingredients and finished products,” he explained.
Though NPA has issued a request for corrections to the article, the organization “welcomes the opportunity to serve as a resource for Consumer Reports as it works to set the record straight.”
He added that the inclusion of “false, sweeping declarations” was negligent, specifically taking issue with the report linking vitamin E to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Mr. Shaw further argued the report’s suggestion that dietary supplements are not safe or accurately labeled is false. “In actuality, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does require supplements to be safe and label claims to be accurate, otherwise the product is considered adulterated. Additionally, dietary supplement manufacturers are required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices and are regularly inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adherence to these regulations that require testing of ingredients and finished products,” he explained.
Though NPA has issued a request for corrections to the article, the organization “welcomes the opportunity to serve as a resource for Consumer Reports as it works to set the record straight.”