Words and legalities-FDA/FTC Info

[Guest guest]

With regards to essential oils they are regulated under the Federal Food, Drug,

and Cosmetic Act and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act,

the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has responsibility for

regulating foods, food additives, drugs, cosmetics, and dietary

supplements. The legal difference between these categories is

determined by the product's intended use.

 

The FDA considers

essential oils either cosmetics or drugs, depending on their intended

use. The FDA makes decisions concerning the regulation of essential

oils on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a company claimed that

the aroma of an essential oil promoted attractiveness, the FDA would

most likely regulate the product as a cosmetic. If a company claimed

that an essential oil was effective as an aid for quitting smoking or

in treating or preventing any other condition or disease, the FDA is

more likely to regulate the product as a drug.

 

If you are concerned about using terms like " therapeutic, " " pharmaceutical

grade " or " medicinal " and you should be, consult the FTC website.  Claims made

in advertising, but not on product labeling, are regulated by the Federal Trade

Commission

(although advertising claims can be used to establish a product's

intended use). Room fragrance systems (deodorizers, odor control) are

the responsibility of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

 

I am not sure why Aromatherapists insist on stepping into this arena and making

claims but I see it everyday.  This is especially irresponsible with claims of

antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, etc, this is definitely stepping into the

marketing a drug arena, the FDA is particularly fond of this.  I have personally

seen small companies and very large companies who receive cease and decist

orders from the FDA and the FTC.  It's a crap shoot, so govern yourselves

accordingly.

 

Be well,

 

Rachel

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks to those who answered this question - really appreciate the info - I

guess my biggest unanswered question is HOW ON EARTH can someone SO BIG (y'all

KNOW who I'm talking about!) use the " T " word in every other sentence, make ALL

those claims....and STILL be in bs??? Why is it that the FDA does not sue the

pants of him or if not him...his many pinions? It is just the almighty $ - does

he have a great lobbyist - or is it because he lives in Utah??

 

inquiring minds would love to know! lOL

 

Pam

 

, Rachel Markel <ramarkel wrote:

>

> With regards to essential oils they are regulated under the Federal Food,

Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act,

> the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has responsibility for

> regulating foods, food additives, drugs, cosmetics, and dietary

> supplements. The legal difference between these categories is

> determined by the product's intended use.

>

[Guest guest]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to those who answered this question - really appreciate

the info - I guess my biggest unanswered question is HOW ON EARTH can someone SO

BIG (y'all KNOW who I'm talking about!) use the " T " word in every other

sentence, make ALL those claims....and STILL be in bs??? Why is it that the FDA

does not sue the pants of him or if not him...his many pinions? It is just the

almighty $ - does he have a great lobbyist - or is it because he lives in Utah??

 

 

 

inquiring minds would love to know! lOL

 

 

 

Pam

 

 

 

 

Hi Pam,

As I mentioned in an earlier post it's a crap shoot!  The teacher who created

the brand Airborne was sued by the FDA for unsubstantied claims.  They settled 

for 23 million dollars all of which she paid in full.  So you can bet your

bottom dollar that the powers that be are watching and monitoring everything.

I would recommend the site QuackWatch.com, search for Young Living and search

for essential oils as well.  You will see who has been dinged  for not playing

by the rules. 

 

Over the past 15 years in business I have seen it all and sadly out of the many

industries I have worked with for some reason Aromatherapists continue to put

themselves at risk. 

 

Be well,

Rachel