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 proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org.
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