Industry Associations Support Biden/Hatch Legislation Placing 'Andro' Under Controlled Substances Act
Washington DC, 24 October 2003

The trade associations AHPA, CHPA, CRN, NNFA, and UNPA, of the dietary supplement industry, support legislation introduced yesterday ("Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2003") by Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) that would provide for the listing of steroid hormone precursors such as androstenedione ("andro") under the Controlled Substances Act.

Such action would effectively prohibit the marketing of these substances as dietary supplements by regulating them as Schedule III controlled substances. The trade associations join the US Antidoping Agency (USADA) in supporting this legislation.

The trade associations believe that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does have the authority to effectively deal with the andro issue under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). However, it is evident that continued controversy over this topic is damaging to the industry, the agency, and the athletes who could be banned from competition for using such products.

The trade associations further support the provision in this new legislation that exempts the dietary ingredient dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a prohormone with little or no potential for abuse as a performance- enhancing ingredient but with some demonstrated value in supporting normal hormone levels during aging.

In supporting the Biden bill, the industry trade associations are taking another step toward resolving issues affecting consumer confidence in the dietary supplement category. The trade associations are eager to create an opportunity to refocus visibility on the safety and benefits of our industry's core products including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, and specialty ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

AHPA exists to serve its members by promoting the responsible commerce of products that contain herbs and that are used to enhance health and the quality of life.

Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA)

CHPA is the 122-year-old national trade association representing US manufacturers and distributors of nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and nutritional supplements.

CRN has represented key manufacturers of dietary supplement ingredients and products for 30 years, providing its member companies with regulatory guidance, scientific information on the benefits and safety of dietary supplements, public relations expertise, and legislative support.

National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA)

NNFA was founded in 1936 and represents the interests of some 5,000 retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of natural products, including health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.

Utah Natural Products Alliance (UNPA)

UNPA was organized in 1991 and represents the interests of the $3 billion dietary supplement industry based in Utah.

Source

AHPA, CHPA, CRN, NNFA, UNPA.