United States of America. The Food and Drug Administration has requested data to identify food and drug products that contain intentionally introduced mercury compounds, e.g. mercurous chloride, mercuric chloride, phenylmercuric acetate, thiomersal (thimerosal), whether as active or inactive ingredients. The agency is seeking both quantitative and qualitative information about the mercury compounds in these products.

The FDA has already evaluated the safety and effectiveness of many over-the-counter uses of mercury compounds. The information collected will enable the agency to evaluate the prescription products and inactive ingredients, as well as mercury compounds in food products including dietary supplements, and veterinary medicines.

Reference: Federal Register 63(239): 59751-53 (1998).