FDA has announced the creation of the new
Office of Dietary Supplement Programs ("ODSP"), a program
that has existed for 20 years as a division of FDA's Office of
Nutrition Labeling and Dietary Supplements. Creation of the ODSP
underscores the growth of the dietary supplement industry, from
about $6 billion to more than $35 billion in annual sales, over
those same 20 years. According to the Agency, "[e]levating the
program's position will raise the profile of dietary
supplements within the agency, and will enhance the effectiveness
of dietary supplement regulation by allowing ODSP to better compete
for government resources and capabilities to regulate this rapidly
expanding industry."
The creation of the new office is a reflection of FDA's efforts
to step up regulation of the supplement industry in response to
public health concerns. ODSP will use existing resources to monitor
dietary supplements on the marketplace. ODSP's former parent
office will continue its other activities under the shortened name,
the Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling, and the leadership of
Doug Balentine, who recently joined FDA. Balentine will oversee the
development of policy and regulation for nutrition labeling and
food standards, infant formula, and medical foods.
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