AHPA Alerts

Editor's Note: "We are entering a new era of weather. And the forecast for ingredient supply is changing just as fast," writes AHPA Member Bill Chioffi in Nutrition Business Journal. Chioffi illustrates how extreme weather caused by global warming can impact the supply of certain botanicals. Because botanicals are often grown in geographical niches particular to the plants and the cultures that produce them, the impact of climate change is likely more complicated than for all other commodity crops, according to Chioffi.

The five trade associations representing the dietary supplement industry today welcomed the elevation of the Division of Dietary Supplement Programs (DDSP) to an "Office" status within the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).

This limited study assessed the effect of resveratrol on the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in 12 healthy human volunteers

Companies generally have one year to ensure products comply with new Proposition 65 requirements

The final rules establish enforceable safety standards for produce farms -- Produce Safety rule -- and make importers accountable for verifying that imported food meets U.S. safety standards -- Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) rule. FDA also issued a rule establishing a program for the accreditation of third-party certification bodies, also known as auditors, to conduct food safety audits of foreign food facilities -- Accredited Third-Party Certification rule.

In response to four Citizen Petitions and the evolution of food ingredients, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is soliciting comments on the use of the term "natural" on food labeling.

Editor's Note: Former FDA official Joshua Sharfstein is calling for a new regulatory framework for dietary supplements. In an article published in Drug Testing and Analysis, Sharfstein and his co-author, Akshay Kapoor, allege that the regulation of dietary supplements has not kept up with changes and risks in the market, which has ultimately led to policy gridlock. He proposes a conceptual shift from 'benefit versus risk' to 'access with safety,' which includes registration of all dietary supplements, a disclaimer on the limited role of FDA in evaluating product claims, standardized laboratory techniques, and clearer authority for the agency when safety concerns arise.

Editor's Note: This review and analysis of cannabinoids for medical use found moderate-quality evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain and spasticity. There was low-quality evidence suggesting that cannabinoids were associated with improvements in nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, weight gain in HIV, sleep disorders, and Tourette syndrome. Cannabinoids were associated with an increased risk of short-term adverse events.
   

Editor's Note: The FDA has confirmed the effective date as September 22, 2015, for the Final Rule that amended the color additive regulations to expand the permitted use of spirulina extract as a color additive to include use in coating formulations applied to dietary supplement and drug tablets and capsules. FDA received no objections or requests for a hearing on the final rule. 

Editor's Note: GNC issued the statement below noting that the lawsuit filed by the Oregon Attorney General is "without merit" and that the company will "defend itself vigorously against this unfair action."