FDA Seizes Weight-Loss Supplements

Acting on behalf of the FDA, U.S. Marshals seized weight-loss supplements last week from a Florida company, Globe All Wellness. According to FDA, the products were seized because they contained an unapproved drug, sibutramine, that was not disclosed on the product label, and the company made unsubstantiated disease claims that require FDA approval.

“Companies that distribute products containing undisclosed drugs are not only breaking the law, they are putting consumers at risk,” said Howard Sklamberg, director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “With these kinds of hidden dangers, consumers cannot make informed decisions about the products they are taking.”

“Two important protections for the public are that a firm may not sell new drugs unless they have been tested and approved by the FDA and a firm may not make false or unsubstantiated claims about drugs they sell,” said Melinda K. Plaisier, acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “When a firm disregards these protections, it not only violates the law but also creates a risk for consumers who may rely on a bogus product and forego effective and proven treatment. The FDA must and will take aggressive enforcement action.”

NutraIngredients-USA.com reports that the President of Globe All Wellness, Eran Hamami, is also targeted in a class-action lawsuit for selling dietary supplements intentionally spiked with the drug, sibutramine, yet sold as natural herbal supplements. Click here to read more.

The marketplace is littered with weight-loss products and schemes that make outrageous claims without credible evidence to back them up.  Action like this from FDA is welcome and more is needed.

What’s the most troubling weight-loss scheme that you are seeing? Take a minute to send your nomination below and we’ll publish the results later this week. All responses are completely anonymous.



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