August 17, 2006: Federal Appeals Court Reinstates FDA Ephedra Ban
A federal appeals court decision has reinstated a 2004 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on dietary suppelements that contain Ephedra. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit decided that the FDA "correctly followed the congressional directive to analyze the risks and benefits of EDS [ephedrinealkaloid dietary supplements] in determining that there is no dosage level of EDS acceptable for the market." Read the 10th Circuit Opinion [PDF file].

April 12, 2004: Ephedra Ban Upheld, Takes Effect Nationwide
On April 12, 2004 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) ban on the sale of all dietary supplements containing ephedra took effect, in accordance with the final rule announced by the FDA on February 6, 2004. A federal judge in New Jersey allowed the ban to proceed despite a request by NVE Pharmaceuticals, a manufacturer of ephedra, to halt implementation of the ban pending further scientific research.

March 9, 2004: Diet Pill Company Sues U.S. Gov't Over Ephedra Ban
NVE Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of a dietary supplement containing ephedra, filed a lawsuit seeking to delay the FDA-imposed ban on all such supplements that include ephedra, according to Forbes. The company claims that ephedra, when used as directed, can safely help consumers to lose weight.

February 6, 2004: FDA Bans All Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration handed down a final ruling banning the sale of all dietary supplements that contain ephedra. Based on the FDA's conclusion that use of ephedra in supplements presents an unreasonable risk to users, the nationwide ban becomes effective on April 12, 2004 (60 days after publication of the ruling). Learn more from the FDA about the ephedra ban.