Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which agency has authority over advertising of dietary supplements?

1. FDA

2. FTC

3. DHHS

4. CDC

The correct answer is: FTC

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has primary authority over the advertising of dietary supplements. This agency is responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit deceptive or misleading advertising practices. The FTC ensures that claims made about dietary supplements are substantiated, meaning that advertisers must have reliable evidence to support any health or nutritional claims they make in their advertisements. While the FDA does regulate dietary supplements in terms of safety and labeling and can take action against unsafe products, the focus of its authority does not extend directly to the advertising practices. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees various health-related programs and policies but does not specifically regulate advertising. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health activities and disease prevention rather than on regulatory matters regarding dietary supplements. In essence, the FTC's role in the truthfulness and accuracy of advertising related to dietary supplements makes it the authoritative agency in this area, ensuring that consumers receive truthful information when considering such products.