Washington, June 22 - U.S. regulators issued new manufacturing standards on Friday for vitamins, herbs and other dietary supplements that are meant to make sure the products are free of contaminants and accurately labeled.
"This rule helps to ensure the quality of dietary supplements so that consumers can be confident that the products they purchase contain what is on the label," FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach said in a statement.
Manufacturers will be required to test the identity, purity, strength and composition of their dietary supplements.
The rules also set standards for designing and constructing manufacturing plants, record-keeping and handling of consumer complaints, the FDA said.
The agency said the rules take effect Aug. 24.