Chapter 4 - Industry self-regulatory activities complement FDA’s dietary supplement regulations

Abstract

This chapter presents a survey of dietary supplement regulations in the United States and highlights key actions taken by the industry to improve itself from within. The first part of the chapter establishes a time line of key dietary supplement laws and describes the ways in which the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 has become the most important piece of legislation in the industry's history. The chapter then defines processes pertinent to the lawful functioning of the industry, including current good manufacturing practices, adverse event reporting, ingredient safety, and labeling requirements. The chapter closes with a presentation of several key self-regulatory initiatives designed and implemented by the industry to improve transparency and enhance accountability. In showcasing these initiatives, this chapter illustrates ways in which the dietary supplement industry proactively works to meet requirements and exceed expectations established by law to keep consumers safe.