The letter states that “ODSP is the main policy driver for strategic priorities on dietary supplements within the agency, and is responsible for ensuring that limited agency resources are used in a risk-based manner to protect consumers and public health.”
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The letter notes that the supplement industry has grown massively since the passage of DSHEA, with one in four Americans now taking supplements regularly and anywhere from 50,000-80,000 supplements on the market today. It explains that ODSP was created in 2016 as a central hub for FDA efforts related to supplement guidelines, regulations, safety assessments, and compliance strategy, while ODSP personnel can provide subject matter expertise for supplement enforcement activities across the FDA.The letter concludes: “This requested level of funding will enable ODSP to increase its workforce and oversight of dietary supplement manufacturing; provide greater clarity for all stakeholders on the agency’s policies and requirements; and to expand its research, education, and communications work related to adverse events and informed decision-making around supplement use.”
It was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward Markey (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).
