Ephedrine alkaloids

Comment period extension for submitting new usage data and scientific information on ephedrine alkaloid-containing supplements sought by House Government Reform Committee Chair Dan Burton (R-Ind.) in an April 27 letter to FDA. Burton says the 45-day comment period is "considerably inadequate" for public review of more than 270 newly released AERs and FDA's analyses of the reports, which were made public April 3 (1"The Tan Sheet" April 10, p. 6). The congressman requests the May 18 deadline be extended through Dec. 31, and advises FDA allow at least one month after close of the comment period before holding a public forum. Burton warns the committee could request GAO "conduct an additional review of the scientific basis for any future FDA proposals for these products"