“Our industry is stronger when we speak with one voice,” said Michael McGuffin, President of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). “AHPA proposed these regular meetings to enhance collaboration amongst the trade associations. Working together on key issues, we are able to identify and accomplish shared objectives on behalf of our respective and collective members.”
AHPA, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) began holding monthly DSTA meetings more than 10 years ago to discuss ongoing industry challenges, initiatives, and opportunities.
“Public safety is the highest priority for the dietary supplement industry,” said Scott Melville, President & CEO, CHPA. “The trade organizations are committed to ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality products that support health and wellness and empower self-care choices.”
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Since DSTA’s first meeting in January 2011, the group has helped protect public health, fostered a stronger relationship with FDA, and advocated for meaningful legislation. They have released joint advisories warning of illegal ingredients in the market; issued joint statements about appropriate use of supplements; and more recently, have consistently warned industry and consumers about fraudulent products related to COVID-19. Joint communications from DSTA have contributed to increased funding for FDA, as well as the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs being elevated from a “division” to an “office.”“Close collaboration with FDA is critical to fostering industry innovation and growth,” said Steve Mister, President & CEO, CRN. “While each trade association maintains its own distinct relationship with FDA, we often approach the agency collectively, asking to meet with FDA jointly to convey our unified voice on topics of concern.”
Currently, the coalition is working to find a legal pathway to market for CBD in dietary supplements and supporting legislation that would allow consumers to purchase dietary supplements using their Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts. They remain focused on key issues facing each association’s members and working with Congress to enact legislation, while providing educational events for industry, FDA, and Congress.
“Congress has long asked industry to speak with a unified voice,” said Loren Israelsen, Founder & President, UNPA. “The DSTA’s history of collaboration demonstrates to members of Congress and their staff a unified industry that is committed to reasonable legislative solutions that protect consumers and level the playing field for responsible companies.”
