What responsibility do manufacturers have regarding the safety of their supplements before they are marketed?

Manufacturers have the responsibility to ensure the safety of their supplements prior to marketing them. This requirement stems from the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which places the onus of safety on the manufacturers rather than the FDA. These manufacturers must evaluate their products for safety and effectiveness, adhering to good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure consistent quality. This emphasizes the importance of accountability within the supplement industry, as it is the manufacturers who must conduct tests, provide truthful labeling, and ensure that their products do not contain harmful substances before they reach consumers. In the absence of pre-market approval for dietary supplements, this responsibility is crucial to maintaining consumer safety and trust in the market.