Washington, DC—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Kennedy by a recorded vote of 52-48. Industry organizations celebrated the appointment, indicating that Kennedy and the Trump Administration will champion a prevention-first approach to healthcare that prioritizes promoting individual health empowerment, improve access to quality supplements, and improve health outcomes.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) said Kennedy's "extensive experience, dedication to public health, and principled advocacy make him an outstanding choice to lead this critical agency." NPA noted that Kennedy has strongly advocated for responsible regulation that ensures dietary supplements remain safe, effective, and widely accessible, and that his leadership will be "instrumental in addressing key issues facing the industry, including streamlining labeling requirements, protecting free speech related to health claims, revising outdated regulatory provisions, and safeguarding the supply chain for American dietary supplement companies." NPA added that it looks forward to working closely with the Kennedy and HHS to ensure that natural products and dietary supplements continue to play a vital role in promoting public health and individual wellness.
“This is a new day for Americans and people globally who want natural products and dietary supplements as part of their balanced lifestyles,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., NPA President and CEO. “The best way to fight chronic disease and hospitalization is keeping them health in the first place, and Secretary Kennedy will help lead us in that direction.”
Dr. Fabricant continued, “As Americans increasingly seek access to dietary supplements and natural products to support their health and well-being, it is essential to have HHS leadership that understands the value of these products. Mr. Kennedy has long demonstrated a commitment to transparency, fostering open dialogue on public health matters and defending the right of individuals to make informed choices about their health. His leadership aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Natural Products Association and the broader mission of the Department of Health and Human Services.”
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) also looks forward to working with Kennedy and the Administration "to advance policies that empower Americans to take charge of their health, reduce chronic disease, and build a more resilient, prevention-focused healthcare system."
CRN shared, "We share the Administration’s vision for a healthcare system that prioritizes proactive wellness strategies, giving consumers access to a full range of health-promoting solutions—including dietary supplements—to help them stay healthy, rather than relying solely on costly treatments after illness occurs. As outlined in the CRN Foundation’s latest health care cost savings report, dietary supplements have the potential to generate billions in healthcare savings by reducing the risk of chronic disease and improving public health outcomes. We are also eager to work alongside the Administration and Congress to modernize regulatory oversight in a way that upholds public health and consumer trust while fostering innovation and growth in this $64 billion industry. With the right policies, we can advance health freedom, strengthen transparency, and give consumers the tools they need to make informed decisions about their well-being."
Karen E. Howard, CEO/Executive Director of the Organic & Natural Health Association, said: "It’s time to throw the HHS playbook away. We have always known that the pharmaceutical industry’s agenda largely drives our health policy. And it is noteworthy that pharma has made a major financial investment in the nutraceutical industry. With RFK Jr. at the helm, at least in the short term, we have the opportunity to affect change by using the collective voice of the millions of consumers we represent. It is time to step up and advocate for legal and policy changes that will directly and immediately improve access to quality supplements, health services, programs, and providers to improve health outcomes." (Read more insights from Howard: Living in a “Revolution of Common Sense”)
Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President and CEO Scott Melville said in a statement: “CHPA and its member companies look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to advance policies that will enhance American consumers’ access to safe, effective, and affordable self-care options. With a growing demand for OTC medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices, it is imperative that our nation’s healthcare leaders expand access, streamline regulatory pathways, and reinforce public confidence through transparent, data-driven decisions. This can be achieved through the reauthorization of the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program (OMUFA), Rx-to-OTC switch improvements, and the modernization of the more than 30-year-old Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).
“CHPA stands ready to collaborate with the Administration, Congress, and other stakeholders on advancing these and other critical policies that prioritize the essential role consumer healthcare products play in benefitting our nation’s public health.”
Regarding Dr. Marty Makary, CRN said it looks forward to his confirmation as FDA Commissioner "so we can move forward with an ambitious agenda to strengthen the role of dietary supplements in extending and enhancing Americans' health span."
*This is a developing story and may be updated with more industry insights.
