ILLINOIS GOVERNOR SIGNS BAN ON EPHEDRA

CHICAGO - Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed the nation's first statewide ban on
the diet supplement ephedra Sunday, flanked by the parents of a 16-year-old
football player who died of a heart attack after taking it.

"It's a good first step, but it's not enough," Mr. Blagojevich said. He
urged other states and the federal government to adopt similar bans.

Ephedra, blamed for nearly 120 deaths, drew national attention after
officials investigating the February heat stroke death of Baltimore Orioles
pitching prospect Steve Bechler linked it to a diet pill containing
ephedrine, ephedra's active ingredient. The herbal supplement is sometimes
marketed as an athletic performance enhancer.

The drive for a ban in Illinois began in September with the death of
16-year-old Sean Riggins of Lincoln, whose father said he was taking the
supplement to help make the varsity football team.

Earlier this month, nutritional supplement retailer General Nutrition
Centers said it would stop selling products containing ephedra. Florida
Gov. Jeb Bush signed a law last week banning the sale of all diet
supplements to children younger than 18.