Ephedra Back On Regulatory Radar As Supplement Adulterant

FDA acknowledges that enforcement activity on ephedra has been a lower priority than other adulterants since the agency banned ephedrine alkaloids in supplements in 2004. “The presumption was that it was banned and people were abiding by the law,” says FDA supplement official Daniel Fabricant.

A recent FDA-driven shipment seizure targeting ephedra underscores a rebirth of the banned botanical ingredient as an adulterant.

FDA acknowledged that enforcement activity on ephedra has been a lower priority than other adulterants –particularly prescription drug active ingredients...