1 In 4 Health Supplements Is Bad

A former Food and Drug Administration research scientist says one in four dietary supplements don't meet quality or safety standards. By now, with human and animal food scandals ever-present in the news, it's no secret that many doubt the FDA's ability to police the complex international food system. And the health and dietary supplement industry is no different, as the FDA has even more limited power, let alone manpower to inspect products. That means a $22 billion industry is free to seek cheap, even contaminated, ingredients, and label products -- for the most part -- as they see fit. Clearly, a heavy dose of buyer beware is the best prescription, according to a story in the June 1 News & Observer.