Advocates urge for tighter regulations on dietary supplements for consumer protection
Consumer Protection Advocates Call For stricter Monitoring of Food Supplement Advertisements
German consumer protection advocates have underscored the need for stricter oversight of advertisements for food supplements. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) expressed concerns over false advertising claims, potentially misleading consumers.
According to a survey carried out by the vzbv, many people believe these products to be safe and thoroughly researched. However, this is not always the case, the association noted. Additionally, consumers overestimate the effectiveness of food supplements, often viewing them as a kind of natural medicine.
The concerns extend to social media, where food supplements are sometimes advertised with unsubstantiated health claims, as reported by the vzbv. The survey revealed that nearly a quarter of respondents perceive such products as if they were a form of medicine, despite being classified as food.
The survey further indicated that almost eight in ten respondents use food supplements, with more than half of them using them at least once a week. Nearly half (49 percent) mistakenly believe these products undergo safety testing before hitting the market.
In the realm of regulating health claims on food supplements, primary oversight is provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). FDA oversees the labeling and manufacturing of dietary supplements, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and proper labeling. The FTC, on the other hand, regulates advertising, enforcing truthful and substantiated claims. Both entities continue to monitor and enforce regulations, including on social media platforms.
While specific changes related to social media advertising have not been widely discussed in recent proposals, existing regulations are being enforced more rigorously across all platforms. Proposed changes focus more on labeling and manufacturing regulations rather than advertising specifics. Advertisers are required to ensure truthfulness, scientific evidence backing their claims, and compliance with FDA regulations regarding labeling and claims to avoid enforcement actions. Social media platforms also face increasing accountability for policing advertising content to prevent misleading claims.
Community policy should include stricter regulations for the advertising of food supplements, especially on social media, to ensure food safety and prevent misleading claims about their health benefits. In light of the Federation of German Consumer Organisations' concerns, it is crucial that consumers are well-informed about the limited scientific evidence backing the efficacy of food supplements, and the need for thorough nutrition and health-and-wellness education.
