Shadow Group Uses Junk Science to Scare Consumers, Profit from its Preferred Products
WASHINGTON, DC – A recent “study” by the Clean Label Project claims that many of the country’s most popular collagen supplements posed health threats. The Natural Products Association today responded to the Clean Label Project, a 501(c)(3) that does not disclose its secret donors or the methodology it uses to “test” products and produced the “study” that was not peer-reviewed nor fully released.
“This is another dirty trick from the clean label project, and it is going to do much more harm than good for consumer education,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Natural Products Association. “Instead of fearmongering and misinformation, consumers should be receiving science-based facts about how to support their health. NPA believes this shadow group should disclose its funders and the full methodology it used to produce this study so the public can make an educated decision about what products to use.”
- The non-peer reviewed study regarding protein powder claims to have found “detectable” levels of arsenic in protein powder products. As the Food and Drug Administration has made clear, these types of products are “present in the environment as a naturally occurring substance or as a result of contamination from human activity. It is found in water, air, soil and foods. In foods, arsenic may be present as inorganic arsenic (the most toxic form of arsenic) or organic arsenic (non-toxic). Suggesting any sort of threat to human health, (i.e. rat poison) as these people have done here without determining the type of arsenic is irresponsible and misleading.”
- The study also claims levels of contamination in products that are in fact much lower than what is considered to be safe by the FDA, and by what is found in regular everyday foods like boiled shrimp, salad dressing, mixed nuts, and Brussels sprouts. FDA has established limits on things like lead but this study fails to mention them, yet suggests a public health problem.
- Clean Label Project profits from referring products to online retailers that it lists on its website.
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Natural Products Association
The Natural Products Association (NPA) is the trade association representing the entire natural products industry. We advocate for our members who supply, manufacture and sell natural ingredients or products for consumers. The Natural Products Association promotes good manufacturing practices as part of the growth and success of the industry. Founded in 1936, NPA represents over 700 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Visit www.npanational.org.
