What: The recently enacted federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act limits consumer purchases of common allergy, cold and cough medicines containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine. The restrictions apply to all forms of these products, including pediatric, gel-cap, liquid and multi-ingredient.
When: The purchase limits take effect April 8, 2006.
Why: Pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are key ingredients that can be used illegally to produce meth, a highly addictive drug that is increasingly abused. The law is designed to prevent abusers from buying the large quantities of these medicines needed to cook small amounts of meth.
How Much Consumers Can Purchase
Detailed information on translating the purchase limits into pills and liquid forms of these products is available at the end of a document issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration, posted at cma2005_general_info.pdf.
Sales Restrictions Will Vary From State to State
Additional Controls Take Effect September 30, 2006
Contact: Bill Greer, 202-220-0667, wgreer@fmi.org
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.
More Events
More Publications
» Facts & Figures