Supplement industry news and updates – May 2023

FTC is issuing penalty notices; what can brands expect next? ­– opinion

Unsubstantiated health claims on product labels are the FTC's new target, just months after the agency released new health products compliance guidance. Read more here about implications for brands.

How to target the values-oriented shopper—e-book

These consumers are looking beyond the label to inform their purchases of products that are good for the planet, people and animals. Download SPINS’ new e-book, “The Values-Oriented Shopper: Understand what drives one of your most influential audiences,” to find out which product attributes drive the most premiums and how evolving consumer values can guide your brand’s growth at this link here.

Congressman requests FDA hearing to clarify actions on NMN—article

Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) called for a public hearing about the agency’s use of the healthy-aging ingredient—asking specifically if FDA intends to remove the hundreds of supplements from the market that contain it. “I want to know why the FDA is arbitrarily restricting access to a safe and proven supplement that should be available for Americans to use for health purposes,” he said. Read more here.

Send lawyers, supps and money—article and video

Watch the feisty SupplySide East regulatory education session—or click to read key comments from panelists including FDA’s director of the office of dietary supplement programs and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s senior vice president of dietary supplements. Grab popcorn and settle in for debates, criticism and updates from the experts. Learn more here.

Understand the biggest revision to National Organic Standards—ever—article

The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule that became effective in March is a set of changes to the USDA organic regulations that improve the integrity of the USDA's organic certification program. The SOE is designed to boost enforcement, increase transparency across the supply chain and crank up the cost of violations. Find out what you need to know—and do—to remain compliant at this link.

Hemp groups unite to support 2023 Farm Bill priorities—article

Thirty-one nonprofits, including the American Herbal Products Association and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, have coalesced around nine policy priorities, including requiring FDA to regulate hemp extracts such as CBD.

“The last five years have taught us a lot, and more than anything, that we as stakeholders need to align our interests and our voices going into the 2023 Farm Bill so that we correct the regulatory deficiencies that have plagued the growth and development of this nascent industry,” said Morris Beegle, founder of We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA). Read more here.