DeLauro Welcomes FDA Action on Oversight of Dietary Supplements

WASHINGTON, DC (February 12, 2019) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement following action by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against 17 companies found to be illegally marketing dietary supplements based on unsubstantiated and misleading health claims.

"For far too long, the FDA has failed to live up to its regulatory responsibility to protect consumers and oversee the dietary supplements industry," said DeLauro. "Manufacturers who illegally market their products with false, unproven, and deceptive health claims are preying on the those seeking to take charge of their personal health—including seniors and those facing life-threatening diagnoses. Most Americans would be shocked to know that current law handicaps FDA's authority and prevents pre-market testing of the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements. That is unacceptable. Congress must build on FDA's actions by strengthening the Agency's authority to regulate this industry, and I look forward to working with FDA and my colleagues to make that happen."

DeLauro is a senior Democrat on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over funding and oversight of the FDA.