MINNEAPOLIS, June 2, 2008—Minnesota physicians at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago today, found a sign at the Eli Lilly booth informing them that they were not welcome to sample the frozen yogurt the pharmaceutical company was giving away.

The sign said, in its entirety:

Food, beverages and/or meals will not be provided by Eli Lilly and Company for the following parties:

•  Physicians and individuals with prescribing authority in Minnesota in order to comply with Minnesota statutes
• Government employees in New York (both city and state) in order to comply with New York statutes

The sign referred to laws that prohibit state physicians from receiving gifts of $50 value or more. (As if a dish of frozen yogurt costs that much.)

The Wall Street Journal online Health Blog ran a light-hearted item on the sign, quoting a Lilly spokesperson. “We want to make sure we’re doing all the right things according to state regulations,” the spokesperson said — adding that she didn't believe any Minnesotans were sent away yogurtless.

On the Health Blog comment board, doctors offered their opinions about the frozen yogurt controversy.

"Why are we monitored so much and put under so much scrutiny," wrote an osteopath, "when lawmakers are allowed unlimited dips into the pot?"

Because, responded a Boston physician, "It is naive to think they are not influenced."

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