WASHINGTON, DC – A new Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) order is duplicative of federal law and wastes limited resources during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Oregon’s order does nothing to protect public health by restricting health claims for nutritional supplements. Furthermore, the order places onerous requirements on retailers to compile “competent and reliable scientific evidence” that will confuse consumers, and raise costs for taxpayers.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) has been working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since January to assist the Agency with taking action against nutritional supplements claiming to “treat or prevent infection by the coronavirus.” Both the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have authority over labeling claims for dietary supplements. It is illegal for nutritional supplement manufactures to claim their products “prevent, treat, or cure” an illness.
“If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin-C, that make health claims are an important element to supporting the healthy lifestyles of the American people. Oregon’s order depletes tax-payer resources and is unnecessary. If Oregon regulators believe there is an abundance of products making fraudulent health claims, then we are happy to work with them to protect consumers. Federal regulators already prevent companies from making false or misleading claims about a product,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA.
NPA has been working with since November of last year while the Oregon DOJ was considering this order:
- NPA submitted comments for the record to Oregon DOJ on April 1, 2020.
- NPA testified during a public hearing while the DOJ was considering the rule on November 14, 2019.
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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.
