Articles by Eric Munson
FDA Investigation Reveals Tejocote Supplements Contain Yellow Oleander
An ongoing investigation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed numerous “dietary supplements” purchased online contained yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia), a toxic plant commonly cultivated as an ornamental. In September 2023, FDA issued a consumer warning about tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) supplements purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and Etsy. Tejocote, also known ...
Vitamin Retailer’s Top 10 Stories of 2024
As 2024 comes to an end, Vitamin Retailer (VR) once again rounded up its top 10 stories of the year. While the top items feature a mix of topics, several stories covered the industry’s responses to serious allegations. Two of the top headlines were written by James Gormley, a former VR editor/writer who died on ...
O&N’s Annual Conference Explores Sustainability From an International Perspective
The Organic & Natural Health Association (O&N) will host its 10th annual conference at the B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL from Jan. 21-23, 2025. The conference theme is “Collaborate, Innovate and Regenerate.” This year’s event will feature industry leaders and expert panelists who will explore global sustainability and innovation. They will address critical ...
GuruNanda to Appeal NAD Decision on Teeth Whitening Claims
On Dec. 9, the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended California-based GuruNanda discontinue its “natural teeth whitening” and “dazzle from first application” claims for its oil pulling and teeth whitening products. The challenge was filed by The Procter & Gamble Company. GuruNanda will appeal the NAD decision on the “natural teeth whitening ...
Texas Becomes Latest State to Introduce Age Restriction Bill
On Nov. 26, 2024, Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani (D-TX) filed House Bill 1474 (HB 1474), which would prohibit the sale of weight loss and muscle building dietary supplements to minors. The bill was submitted for the 2025 legislative session, which begins on Jan. 14. “A person may not sell, offer to sell, or give away, ...
Natural Grocers Unveils Must-Know Trends for 2025
On Dec. 2, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (Lakewood, CO) unveiled its Top Trends for 2025. “At Natural Grocers, we’re always eager to see how evolving trends inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Each year we sift through evolving shopping habits and cutting-edge research to pinpoint the trends that will shape the way we live, eat, and ...
Industry Responds to Dr. Marty Makary’s Nomination as FDA Commissioner
On Nov. 22, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Dr. Marty Makary as commissioner for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He would succeed outgoing FDA Commissioner Robert Califf. Makary is a surgical oncologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He is also a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, a researcher, an ...
FDA Releases New Guidance on Oral Phenylephrine, Xlear Responds
On Nov. 7, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed removing oral phenylephrine from over the counter (OTC) medications due to “effectiveness concerns.” According to FDA, oral phenylephrine is widely used as an active ingredient in nasal decongestants. The agency conducted a comprehensive review of all available data on the safety and efficacy of ...
The Vitamin Shoppe’s Parent Company Files for Bankruptcy, Business Remains Strong
On Nov. 3, Franchise Group Inc. (FRG, Delaware, OH), the holding company for retail brands American Freight, Buddy’s Home Furnishings, The Vitamin Shoppe and Pet Supplies Plus, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As per the bankruptcy filing, FRG is currently undergoing a restructuring plan, but will continue operating Buddy’s Home Furnishings, The Vitamin Shoppe and ...
2024 Best New Products
For the 17th consecutive year, Vitamin Retailer, with the guidance of a retailer panel, assembled the year’s best new natural products. Seventeen years ago, Vitamin Retailer (VR) magazine decided to honor the year’s top products by asking for opinions from independent natural product, vitamin and supplement retailers. The objective was for stores to offer feedback ...
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