Ephedrine alkaloids

Comment period extended 45 days to July 3 for submitting new usage data and scientific evidence on ephedrine alkaloid-containing supplements, FDA says in a May 5 letter to House Government Reform Committee Chair Dan Burton (R-Ind.). Burton's requested extension of the May 18 deadline through December "is too long given the potential public health issues in question," the agency replies (1"The Tan Sheet" May 8, In Brief). In separate letters, several Texas congressmen and Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) also sought longer comment periods than granted by FDA. Scientific issues related to ephedrine alkaloid-containing supplements will be discussed at a public meeting in July; an upcoming Federal Register notice will provide additional details. A 30-day comment period will follow the forum