Though it’s surprising that a stricter screening process was not already in place for FallFest giveaways, UNC should be applauded for quickly responding to the distribution of improperly labeled appetite suppressants at the annual welcome event. Student Union officials immediately asked the retailer, Complete Nutrition, to stop offering students the free pills — and ensured that future sponsors will have to provide a written list of products they plan to offer students.
On Sunday night, event officials were notified of a booth that was passing out the dietary suppressant EphedFx to students. Pre-packaged boxes had run out, so the retail representatives began doling out the diet pills in plastic bags that didn’t feature the extensive warning label normally associated with the pills.
Though FallFest officials responded swiftly, it’s surprising that the University didn’t have a system in which it made clear the acceptable protocol for handing out samples.
Carolina Union Director Don Luse explained that he and his staff lacked forewarning because “it’s not something we thought someone would do. ”
But naivety is no excuse.
Clear portrayals of all products is not an unreasonable expectation, especially at an event where students look to gather as many free goods as they can. Complete Nutrition’s reckless distribution of dietary supplements demands not only closer oversight of distribution practices but also the products promoted at UNC events.
Appetite suppressants send a troubling message for what passes as healthy dieting. The appearance that UNC promotes these products undermines the emphasis it places on healthy living in required LFIT classes and in the UNC Eating Disorders Program. Cynthia Bulik, the director of the program, said UNC shouldn’t allow any type of pill that remotely deals with dieting or weight management.
The University owes its students a safer FallFest. It can redeem itself by making good on its plans and conducting more thorough reviews of sponsors and the way they peddle goods in the future.
