The Council for Responsible Nutrition has introduced new packaging guidelines for melatonin supplements in response to thousands of American children ending up in the emergency room after ingesting melatonin unsupervised. The guidelines aim to improve the labeling, formulation, and packaging of melatonin-containing dietary supplements, with a focus on protecting kids from accidental consumption. The move comes after a study revealed that many melatonin products were mislabeled, some containing significantly higher levels of the hormone than stated on the bottle.
The voluntary guidelines include cautionary label statements about melatonin’s effects, restrictions on alcohol consumption with melatonin, child-deterrent packaging for flavored chewable forms, and detailed advisories for gummy supplements. The Council urges manufacturers to implement these guidelines within specific time frames to ensure the responsible manufacturing and marketing of melatonin products. The increased focus on packaging safety and labeling accuracy is designed to prevent unintentional consumption and reduce the risks associated with excessive melatonin intake, particularly for children.
While excessive melatonin consumption is not typically fatal, it can lead to various health issues, including rebound insomnia, irritability, and sedative effects lasting days. The lack of FDA regulation for melatonin means that manufacturers must adhere to the new guidelines voluntarily to ensure product safety and compliance. By adopting these guidelines, the dietary supplement industry aims to enhance consumer trust and protect vulnerable populations from the potential dangers of mislabeled or improperly packaged melatonin products.