“The situation is changing rapidly, and we are here to help the industry and the millions of consumers who rely on natural products,” says Fabricant.
WASHINGTON – The Natural Products Association (NPA) today launched a new COVID-19 resource campaign for the natural products industry, American consumers, and policymakers. As part of the campaign, NPA is educating lawmakers through its grassroots network, briefing reporters, and providing resources for the industry, including through a new website that will become a clearinghouse of information related to COVID-19.
“The situation is changing rapidly, and we are here to help the industry and the millions of consumers who rely on natural products,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA.
In recent days, states and territories have begun to order the closure of most businesses for an indefinite period except for supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants offering carryout or delivery, medical equipment stores, gas stations, and banks. NPA recently launched a grassroots campaign urging lawmakers to keep health food stores open as state, local, and national governments respond to COVID-19.
“It is imperative that essential businesses such as health-food stores that provide nutritional supplements and other health and wellness products remain open for business,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “Local businesses are an essential resource for Americans in times like these, especially people at risk, who need access to neighborhood stores. Communities need these stores open and we are asking lawmakers to lift any order as it relates to health food stores.”
NPA’s grassroots campaign can be viewed here.
In a letter to the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission NPA urged the Agencies to take action against companies selling nutritional supplements claiming to “treat or prevent infection by the coronavirus.”
“If a product sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. There is no such thing as a magic pill and consumers should steer clear of any product being marketed as a nutritional supplement that says it will prevent, treat, or cure coronavirus or any other illness,” added Fabricant.
Regular updates will also be posted on NPA’s new webpage at npanational.org/covid19-resources/ and through its social media networks on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Resources related to COVID-19
- Natural Products Retailers are Essential Businesses, a Call to Keep Health-Food Stores Open in Response to COVID-19
Take Action: Tell Lawmakers to Keep Health Food Retailers Open
- NPA Notified FDA and FTC of Coronavirus Claims on January 27
- U.S. Small Business Administration
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- National Retail Federation
State Resources for Retailers on COVID-19
- National Governors Association
Resources and Updates for State Governments in Response to COVID-19
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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.
