“In
only six days I lost seven pounds of weight.”
“Two
full inches in the first three days!”
These
are the kinds of statements used in magazine, newspaper, radio and television
ads, promising new shapes and new looks to those who buy the medicine or the device.
The promoters(推銷員) of products say they can shape
the legs, slim the face, smooth wrinkles, or in some other way to beauty or
desirability.
Often
such products are nothing more than money-making things for their promoter. The
results they produce are questionable, and some are dangerous to health.
To
understand how these products can be legally(合法地)
promoted to the public, it is necessary to understand something of the laws
covering their regulation. If the product is a drug, FDA(Food
Drug Administration)can require proof (證明)
under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that it is safe and effective before it
is put on the market. But if the product is a device, FDA has no
authority(=right) to require premarketing proof of safety or effectiveness. If
a product already on the market is a danger to health, FDA can request the
producer or distributor to remove it from the market voluntarily(主動地),
or it can take legal action, including seizure (查封)
of the product.
One
notable case a few years ago involved an electrical device called the
Relaxacisor, which had been sold for reducing the waistline. The Relaxacisor
produced electrical shocks to the body through contact pads. FDA took legal
action against the distributor to stop the sale of the device on the grounds that
it was dangerous to health and life.
Obviously,
most of the devices on the market have never been the subject of court
proceedings (法律訴訟), and new devices appear
continually. Before buying, it is up to the consumer(消費者)
to judge the safety or effectiveness of such items.
71.
It can be inferred that ads mentioned in the text are _________.
A.
objective B.
costly(昂貴的)
C.
unreliable D. illegal
72.
Which of the following is true according to the text?
A.
The court is in charge of removing dangerous product.
B.
New products are more likely to be questionable.
C.
The production of a device must be approved(批準(zhǔn))
by FDA.
D.
The promoters usually just care about profits.
73.
FDA can ask for the proof of safety and effectiveness of a product _________.
A.
if it is a drug B.
if it is a device
C.
if its consumers make complaints D.
if its distributors challenge FDA’s authority
74.
The Relaxacisor is mentioned as _________.
A.
a product which was designed to produce electricity
B.
a product whose distributor was involved in a legal case
C.
a successful advertisement of a beauty product
D.
an example of a quality beauty product
75.
The author intends to _________.
A.
make consumers aware of(意識到) the promoters’ false
promises
B.
show the weakness of the law on product safety
C.
give advice on how to keep young and beautiful
D.
introduce the organization of FDA