Why is cascara banned in the US? Understanding the FDA's 2002 Ruling
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5 min read
In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final ruling that reclassified cascara sagrada, stating the ingredient was not "generally recognized as safe and effective" for over-the-counter use, effectively banning its sale in OTC laxatives. This decision was based on a lack of crucial safety data from manufacturers, not conclusive evidence of harm.