03.01.05
On January 26, 2005 the U.S. Senate confirmed Michael Leavitt as the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He is a former Utah governor and served as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 2003. According to Michael McGuffin, president of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Silver Spring, MD, “Mike Leavitt acknowledged in his confirmation hearings that the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act (DSHEA) is a good law, and that he values consumer choice in their healthcare options.” Mr. McGuffin added, “This is an excellent start to what should be a positive relationship with the herb and dietary supplement industry.”
Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), in his comments on the Senate floor before Mr. Leavitt’s confirmation vote, said that he had secured the new Secretary’s promise to review pending legislation that would mandate the reporting of serious adverse events associated with dietary supplements. “There should be a clearinghouse at the Food and Drug Administration for these manufacturers to provide data about the safety of their products,” Senator Durbin said.
Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), in his comments on the Senate floor before Mr. Leavitt’s confirmation vote, said that he had secured the new Secretary’s promise to review pending legislation that would mandate the reporting of serious adverse events associated with dietary supplements. “There should be a clearinghouse at the Food and Drug Administration for these manufacturers to provide data about the safety of their products,” Senator Durbin said.