Regarding the statement: Dietary supplements are not as heavily regulated as conventional foods.

Actually dietary supplements, under the Dietary Supplement, Health and Education Act, are more heavily regulated than conventional foods. There is much more testing required for herbs and vitamins. And manufactures of dietary supplements are required by law to report adverse events that happen with their products ... something that is only required of drugs and dietary supplements, but not for conventional foods.

Also, the Good Manufacturing Procedures mandated for dietary supplements is much more stringent than the GMP for foods.

The reporter should do his research and get the facts accurate.

Ed Smith
Chairman of Herb Pharm