Limit on cold remedies for kids was FDA's idea

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - When drug makers made a surprise announcement this week that they no longer recommend cough and cold remedies for youngsters under 4, they didn't let on that it was the government's idea. And why age 4 rather than the age 6 that pediatricians' wanted? Because the Food and Drug Administration suggested that, too. FDA officials proposed the cutoff earlier this year in private discussions with the industry, government and industry officials confirmed Friday. The companies agreed, and this week announced they were "voluntarily" changing their advice to parents. The maneuvering is an example of how government health officials and the industries they regulate seek to come to an accommodation behind the scenes on tricky issues. In this case, there is scant evidence... [read full story]