CRN notes dangers of steroids, 'rogue products'

WASHINGTON In light of a Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs hearing on “Body Building Products and Hidden Steroids: Enforcement Barriers,” being held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., the Council for Responsible Nutrition issued a statement underscoring the fact that entities selling steroids masquerading as dietary supplements does not change the fact that the steroids are illegal, or that they are not in fact dietary supplements.

“Rogue products that contain anabolic steroids are not dietary supplements, regardless of how the bad actors who manufacture and market these products might position them — they are illegal, unapproved new drugs,” stated Steve Mister, CRN president and CEO. “Responsible supplement companies do not condone these practices, and urge the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration to use the ample authority already granted to these agencies to crack down on anabolic steroids that put athletes and young people at risk.”

Under the Controlled Substances Act, Congress has given the DEA special power to regulate anabolic steroids, Mister noted. As well, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, it is illegal for supplements to contain drugs or undeclared substances, and FDA has the regulatory authority under existing law to take action against companies manufacturing and marketing unapproved drugs masquerading as dietary supplements.

“All industries struggle with a few outliers and the supplement industry is no exception,” Mister said. “However, the vast majority of the industry follows the law and makes quality products that play an important role in consumers’ health and wellness. DSHEA appropriately protects consumers and responsible manufacturers and gives the [FDA] the appropriate authority to handle those who skirt the law.