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« In the news | Main | Just say yes to drugs »

August 30, 2006

Where's the pudding?

The proof is in the pudding, as the saying goes, and obviously pudding is safe to eat. Just call me or Bill Cosby - we can talk tapioca all day.

Today's Salt Lake Tribune editorial insists that "Makers of dietary supplements should have to prove safety." Sounds obvious, but if it isn't food you eat or a drug you take, don't assume it's been proven safe.

Dietary supplements -- you know, those things near the vitamins that offer benefits like improved memory, better mood, less weight -- and personal care products, which have a whole aisle all their own, don't get safety tested before going on a store shelf. In fact, if the Food and Drug Administration gets reports of injuries or concerns, they have to prove there's been harm before they can protect consumers.

So what's a consumer who wants to look, feel or smell good to do? For now, read up before you take any supplements. Your body is your temple and your responsibility.

As for toothpastes, shampoos and other grooming goodies, about 11 percent of the ingredients used in personal care products have been screened for safety. That's it. So until the government does start making companies test ingredients or products, you can visit EWG's cosmetics database to see products listed individually, or by category or brand.

Of course, you could just see whether pudding works as a moisturizer.

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