VITAMIN RULES APPROVED

The makers of vitamins, herbs, and other dietary supplements will now have to test the purity, strength, and composition of all their supplements, according to new FDA rules. Furthermore, the new government standards address the design and construction of manufacturing plants, record keeping, and the process for consumer complaints.

Agency officials said inspectors will check manufacturing plants for conformity. In terms of violations, the agency may ask a company to fix a problem for less serious violations. More significant problems may lead to product seizures or other action. The new law will not apply to all makers until 2010. In 1994, Congress gave the FDA power to set manufacturing standards for dietary supplements.