American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)
Trade Associations Respond to Section 232 Investigation
In April, the U.S. Department of Commerce began an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine the effects on the national security of imports of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical ingredients and derivative products. After the investigation is complete, President Donald Trump will decide what action to take which could include tariffs. ...
AHPA President Michael McGuffin Dies at 73
On Feb. 17, 2025, longtime American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) President Michael McGuffin died at age 73. According to a memorial posted on the AHPA website, for 25 years, McGuffin served as the association’s president, leaving behind an indelible mark on the natural products industry through his steadfast advocacy for reasonable regulations and proactive self-governance. ...
Trade Associations Congratulate RFK Jr. on HHS Secretary Confirmation
On Feb. 13, politician and environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) was confirmed as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Natural Products Association (NPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) congratulated Kennedy on his confirmation and expressed ...
Industry Responds to RFK Jr.’s Nomination as HHS Director
On Nov. 14, President-elect Donald Trump nominated environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) as director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). After ending his own presidential campaign, Kennedy endorsed Trump and has since launched “Make America Healthy Again,” a campaign that “prioritizes regenerative agriculture, protects natural resources and removes harmful toxins ...
Oregon Introduces Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act to Protect Children
United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) to establish national standards to protect public health and safety and keep cannabis products out of the hands of children. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). According to Wyden, the CSRA would establish a national age restriction to ...
Retailers and Manufacturers Reflect on Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene made landfall last month, it caused immense destruction to the Southeastern United States, particularly North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. At the time of publication, there are at least 227 deaths and hundreds unaccounted for. AccuWeather estimated the total damage could reach $250 billion. North Carolina-based herbal supplement manufacturer Gaia Herbs’ farm in ...
Industry Criticizes Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2024
United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2024, which requires dietary supplement manufacturers to list their products with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which provided FDA authority to regulate dietary supplements. However, DSHEA does not ...
BMC Medicine Retracts DNA Barcoding Study on Herbal Products, Industry Responds
In July 2024, BMC Medicine’s editorial office retracted a 2013 study which used DNA barcoding analysis to test 44 herbal products. “The Editor has retracted this article. An investigation by the University of Guelph has found evidence of data fabrication in relation to this article. The Editor therefore no longer has confidence in the ...
Industry Questions New Bill Seeking to Address Tianeptine
A new bill introduced by Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Dubbed, “Prohibiting Tianeptine and Other Dangerous Substances Act,” the bill would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to prohibit certain ingredients that “don’t meet the definitions of dietary ...
Associations Release Updated Guidance on Organic Dietary Supplements
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Quality Assurance International (QAI) by NSF International and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) announced updated guidance on organic dietary supplements. The updated report titled Guidance on Formulation and Marketing of Dietary Supplements Under the National Organic Program replaces the 2018 version. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program ...
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