Cellasene or Endermologie, the Administrative Battle Against Cellulite: Does FDA Approval Impress Consumers?

Abstract

According to the maker of the new dietary supplement, Cellasene, the demise of cellulite has crossed international borders, finally reaching American women. Cellasene, lauded as the innovative anti-cellulite agent, is categorized as a dietary supplement and is, therefore, not required to undergo the rigors of pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") under the Dietary Supplement Act of 1994. Of prime concern is whether the FDA, hindered in part by the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act ("DSHEA"), is able to adequately afford protection to the American public. As stated above, Cellasene is classified as a dietary supplement, governed by the DSHEA. The previous discussion centered on a specific dietary supplement, not FDA approved, but acclaimed by many for the disappearance of cellulite. The commission recognizes that product labels and other forms of advertisements can greatly influence consumer interpretations of claims made by a dietary supplement; therefore, it is proactive with attempts to protect the public against misleading claims.

Keywords: dietary supplement, Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, cellulite

JEL Classification: I18, K23, K32