FDA Seizes Ephedra Products

ROCKVILLE, Md.--On Feb. 5, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized ephedra-containing supplements from Musclemaster.com due to unsubstantiated claims on the Web site.

An undisclosed complaint filed with a federal district court caused FDA and the Attorney Generals office to take action against the Northboro, Mass.-based company. Specifically, it is alleged Musclemaster.com claimed its products enhance consumers' athletic and muscle performance without adequate scientific basis to support such claims.

FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Sullivan reported the seizure included 381 bottles of Betatrim Dietary Supplement; 38 bottles of Thermbuterol; 402 bottles of Stacker 2, 100 count; and 105 bottles of Stacker 2, 20 count.

"Consumers must have accurate and truthful health information so they can make informed choices, McClellan said, and FDA will continue its aggressive enforcement efforts against companies that make misleading claims about their products.

Sullivan added, "We in law enforcement will do all in our power to assist in ensuring that consumers are protected and are being provided correct information when making their purchases."

The case was investigated by FDA and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelbey D. Wright, chief of Sullivan's Asset Forfeiture Unit.

More about the seizure can be found at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2004/NEW01020.html.