The letter was written in response to President Donald Trump's annoucement that he will use the Defense Production Act in response to the COVID-19 crisis.Reutersreported that the measure is meant to allow the U.S. government to speed production of masks, respirators, ventilators and other supplies needed to deal with the pandemic.
"The Natural Products Association would like to offer its assistance," Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO ofNPA, wrote in the letter to Pence. “Our manufacturers and distributors have the appropriate FDA, DEA and state and local inspection requirements to produce not only dietary supplements, but also drugs and other FDA regulated commodities. Whether we are producing dietary supplements, foods or drugs, we are doing so meeting and exceeding all required quality requirements, which is of the utmost importance in this time of need. We stand ready to assist with any uncertainty related to this capacity as the Administration responds to this crisis."
