Industry trade associations deliver primer on supplement regulation to Capitol Hill staffers
WASHINGTON — Capitol Hill staffers this week learned useful tips from a medical expert on reading and understanding dietary supplement labels, and received a primer on the depth of regulation behind dietary supplement labeling during an educational briefing held by the Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus in cooperation with the leading trade associations representing the dietary supplement industry, the group announced Friday.
The Hill staffers in attendance at the DSC briefing learned details about what information must appear on a dietary supplement label and what each item means, including: the statement of identity; net quantity of contents; supplement facts with nutrition information for each ingredient; manufacturer or distributor information; complete listing of ingredients; safety information; FDA disclaimer; claims/benefits; and cautions/warnings/notices. They also learned the meanings of key terms such as: Estimated Average Requirements; Recommended Dietary Allowance; Adequate Intake; Daily Value; and tolerable upper intake level — making this DSC lunch briefing an opportunity for staffers to learn valuable information for their personal use and to help them better understand issues related to policymaking.
DSC educational briefings are held throughout the year, featuring nationally recognized authors, lecturers or authorities on health and wellness who provide tips and insights for better nutrition, including how dietary supplements can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. These briefings also help to educate congressional staff about constituent access to safe and beneficial dietary supplements, and legislative and regulatory issues associated with these products. In addition, DSC members receive regular updates on any new and ongoing developments in the dietary supplement arena.
The DSC is comprised of associations including the American Herbal Products Association, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the Natural Products Association and the United Natural Products Alliance.