On Mar. 23, 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a rule publication that defined dietary supplements labeling became effective. These regulations were issued in final form in 1997.

In 1995, the FDA had issued proposed rules regarding the statement of identity on dietary supplement labels, specific nutrition and ingredient labeling for dietary supplements, and type-size requirements for such labels. Herbal products will be identified by the common or usual name and the part of the plant used to make the supplement (such as root, stem or leaf). If the common or usual name is not listed in Herbs of Commerce, published by the American Herbal Products Association, the Latin binomial name such as Tercoma mollis.HBK or Cecropia obstusifolia Bert. will be listed. 

FDA plans to survey dietary supplement products on the market to check for compliance with the new labeling rules. Also, through a variety of means, FDA will provide consumers with information on how to use the new “Supplement Facts” panels. All ingredients in the product will be declared in the ingredient statement or within the “Supplement Facts” panel.