[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    THE DIETARY SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, before I close, let me take this 
opportunity to express my views on an issue which I know is also of 
deep concern to this body: The Food and Drug Administration's continued 
efforts to persecute the dietary supplement industry. The FDA's 
persistent hyper-regulatory zeal in removing products from the market 
and limiting consumer access to legitimate scientific information never 
fails to amaze me.
  The urgent need prompting my legislation--S. 784--to create a 
rational regulatory environment for dietary supplements is being 
underscored this morning.
  Eleven of America's foremost scientists, acting at the behest of the 
Alliance for Aging Research, issued a recommended daily level for 
antioxidant vitamins, vitamins which can prevent heart disease, cancer, 
cataracts, and other conditions associated with aging.
  What is significant about this event is that these scientists and the 
Alliance for Aging Research are being forced to have a press conference 
to publicize antioxidants, because the FDA has refused to tell the 
public about their benefits. In fact, this is not an error of omission, 
but rather one of commission. The FDA has specifically turned down 
requests to approve a health claim for antioxidants.
  Some of my colleagues may have seen a segment about this on the Today 
show this morning. Dr. Jeff Blumberg from Tufts University, 
representing the 11 scientists, made an excellent presentation which 
really drove home two important points: First, the FDA has set up 
barriers so that consumers simply cannot receive information about the 
benefits of dietary supplements; and second, good nutrition is 
important, but diet alone cannot supply the recommended level of 
antioxidants. Supplements are also needed.
  I want to commend the Alliance, which is the first public health 
organization to issue recommended daily antioxidant levels through a 
combination of diet and supplementation. Their bold step to protect the 
public health is an action the FDA should emulate.
  Mr. KERREY addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Nebraska [Mr. Kerrey] is 
recognized for not to exceed 10 minutes.

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