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Basic Salt Dough Recipe

2 cups flour 1/2 cup salt 1/2 cup hot tap water 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

In a 2 qt. bowl, slowly add the water, salt and vegetable oil to the flour and knead thoroughly. Remove and roll flat on a flowered counter top or table to 1/4" thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Use cookie cutters, make braiding strips, etc. Preheat oven to 425°F. Cover loosely with foil and bake on cookie sheet at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Paint as desired and seal with clear varnish if desired.

Designs such as 3" - 4" long candy canes and gingerbread cutouts are suited for small children; these can be decorated with watercolor paints, white glue and glitter for a fun project.

Federal Regulation of Dietary Supplements

The Federal Government regulates dietary supplements through the U.S. 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.

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 (e.g., 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."

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. 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.

Also, once a dietary supplement is on the market, the FDA monitors product information, such as label claims and package inserts. 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 Web sites 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.