Nokea
The federal government regulates dietary supplements through the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The regulations for dietary supplements are not the same as those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In general, the regulations for dietary supplements are less strict. To begin with, a manufacturer does not have to prove the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement before it is marketed. A manufacturer is permitted to say that a dietary supplement addresses a nutrient deficiency, supports health, or is linked to a particular body function (such as immunity) if there is research to support the claim. Such a claim must be followed by the words, “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.†Also, manufacturers are expected to follow certain good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure that dietary supplements are processed consistently and meet quality standards. Requirements for GMPs went into effect in 2008 for large manufacturers and are being phased in for small manufacturers through 2010. Once a dietary supplement is on the market, the FDA monitors safety and product information, such as label claims and package inserts. If it finds a product to be unsafe, it can take action against the manufacturer and/or distributor and may issue a warning or require that the product be removed from the marketplace. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for regulating product advertising; it requires that all information be truthful and not misleading. The federal government has taken legal action against a number of dietary supplement promoters or websites that promote or sell dietary supplements because they have made false or deceptive statements about their products or because marketed products have proven to be unsafe.
What is the meaning of the word deceptive as it is used in the fifth paragraph?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The word 'deceptive' in the context of the fifth paragraph refers to something that is misleading. When a product is deceptive, it means that the information provided about it is not truthful or accurate, leading consumers to form incorrect beliefs about its qualities. In the given excerpt, it is mentioned that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) takes action against deceptive product advertising, emphasizing the importance of providing truthful and non-misleading information to consumers. Therefore, choice A, 'misleading,' is the correct answer as it best captures the meaning of 'deceptive' in this context.