A Pivotal Moment 

By Michael McGuffin, President, AHPA

Michael McGuffin, President, AHPA 

The incoming administration is looking to transform public health in America as we know it. New leadership at federal regulatory agencies— including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—could finally crack open the door to regulatory and legislative changes that will resolve longstanding concerns. One such approach is the creation of a new “prohibited act” under section 301 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). AHPA believes that the creation of a new prohibited act, carefully targeted at drug-spiked products, represents a potential path forward for both an industry divided over mandatory product listing and agency leadership looking to demonstrate a commitment to both public health and the availability of legitimate natural products.

State-level developments for industry may also accelerate. The enactment of New York’s Assembly Bill 5610 in 2024, which imposes age restrictions on weight loss and muscle-building dietary supplements, has inspired similar legislative efforts in states like California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. We are already aware of bills planned for introduction in 2025 in states such as New Hampshire and Texas. While framed (without evidence) as a measure to protect minors from eating disorders, the vague scope and impractical compliance burdens of these bills have raised concerns across the dietary supplement community. If left unchallenged, laws like these could create a fragmented landscape of state-by-state compliance schemes, greatly increasing costs and confusion for industry and consumers alike. AHPA’s Dietary Supplement Access Coalition—which includes both member and nonmember retailers, manufacturers, and representatives of the other trade associations—meets regularly to keep all parties apprised of this evolving situation.

Online, platforms like Amazon are reshaping consumer access to natural products, with evolving policies requiring third-party testing for certain dietary supplements. While these measures enhance consumer trust, they also impose additional costs and operational hurdles for manufacturers. The planned expansion of Amazon’s testing requirements to all dietary supplements underscores the need for proactive engagement with e-commerce platforms to advocate for balanced and fair policies as well as to ensure that compliant industry has clear channels of communication with both platforms and testing entities. AHPA has established a direct relationship with Amazon staff managing the company’s dietary supplement policies. In monthly meetings with Amazon, AHPA provides member feedback and proposes improvements to the testing policies and other rules governing sales of dietary supplements on the platform. So far, this audience has proven receptive.

Globally, international and domestic disruptions will pose significant challenges for sourcing raw materials. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, and natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene have highlighted vulnerabilities in our supply chains. President-elect Donald Trump has promised tariff hikes across the board when he returns to office, with imports from China likely to be hit the hardest. These looming tariff increases will have a direct impact on natural product manufacturers who source botanicals currently only grown in China. AHPA remains committed to supporting its members and the wider industry by addressing supply chain issues collaboratively. Through events such as AHPA’s Botanical Congress, members and experts have opportunities to share insights and explore solutions for navigating complex challenges related to climate, sourcing, and international affairs.

The natural products industry has a history of resilience and innovation. By uniting around common goals, we can turn the challenges of 2024 into opportunities for growth and improvement in 2025 and beyond. Together, we can shape a future where natural products remain accessible, trusted, and beneficial for all.

Read insights from CRN, CHPA, Organic & Natural Health Association, INFRA, SENPA, WIN, GOED, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, ITC + GPA, and MAHO.

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