Q How can I know where vitamins and supplements are made, or if they are pure? When I look at the labels, most of them read "Distributed by," followed by a company name and location. They don't tell where the pills were actually made, or by whom. I don't trust products made abroad right now.
Fixit: How to supplement info on supplements
April 29, 2008 at 2:56PM
A You won't necessarily know by reading the label where vitamins and supplements are made. Federal regulations require labels of dietary supplements to bear the name and place of the manufacturer, packer or distributor. If it's not manufactured by the person whose name appears on the label, the phrase "Distributed by" or other wording is used to point that out. In that case, you will need to contact the distributor and ask who manufactured the product and where.
As for purity, federal rules require manufacturers to evaluate the quality, strength and composition of supplements. The aim is to ensure that supplements do not have wrong ingredients, too much or too little of dietary ingredients, improper packaging, improper labeling or contamination problems from toxins, bacteria, pesticides, glass, lead or other substances.
Information from Kimberly Rawlings, FDA
Deicer stains Q We used calcium chloride ice melter on our paver walk and driveway this winter because it's safer for the grass. Now the brick pavers seem to be stained white in places. We have hosed them down, but the stains remain. What is this and what can be done about it?
A It could be a fine layer of crystalline deposit of salts on the brick called efflorescence. It can usually be removed with a dry, stiff-bristled brush. A heavy deposit may require a special cleaner; ask at a hardware store or brick dealer. It's not a good idea to use deicers on pavers or brick, especially if the deicer contains calcium chloride.
Includes information from the Brick Industry Association, Reston, Va.
Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www. startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears daily in Source except on Friday.
