Supplements science bill lacks teeth, attorney says

 

Congressmen Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Jared Polis (D-CO) have introduced a bill in Congress that seeks to let a little light into the box that dietary supplements and functional foods find themselves in. Whether it has a chance of passage, or whether it could accomplish its goals if it did, are matters of debate.

As more and more studies pile up about the benefits of dietary supplements and the functional ingredients in foods it's a source of much frustration in the industry that many of these findings cannot be communicated legally to consumers. Chaffetz' and Polis' bill, called The Free Speech About Science Act (HR1364) seeks to change that. 

"It is important for individuals and families to take charge of their personal health by making the right decisions to get and stay healthy," said Chaffetz. "This includes accessing information so that individuals can adjust habits, eat healthy and take appropriate dietary supplements to prevent and even treat health conditions. The Free Speech About Science Act helps insure their access to legitimate scientific research to make the necessary decisions to improve their personal health and the health of their families."

"Today's science has shown that vitamins and nutritional supplements can offer successful, natural alternatives to drugs," said Polis. "As we begin to reform our nation's healthcare system, supplements are an innovative way to help reduce costs."

"You can see how companies would be incredibly frustrated by not being able to give people credible science information," said Washington, D.C.-based attorney Ivan Wasserman. "The courts have repeatedly held that speech about the sale of products can be regulated, and the FDA has taken the position that it ultimately has the right to decide what can and can't be said about food and drugs."