Nutritional science for mind health products
DSM Nutritional Products
The maker of mangosteen juice, Xango, has joined the coalition's growing list of members to protect the regulations that oversee the dietary supplement industry under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).
"We believe there is important work to be done to safeguard the future of the industry," said Debbie Blockinger, Xango's senior manager of public affairs. "By joining a united industry front, we can ensure not only that the correct messages and appropriate actions are taken in Washington, DC, but also that the entire natural products industry is benefited by the Coalition's good work."
The coalition is a non-profit organization comprised of major suppliers of dietary supplement products and services as well as leading industry trade associations and other supporters.
Its activities include personal visits with legislators and their staff to increase awareness with members of Congress to the concerns of the dietary supplement industry.
The coalition seeks to educate legislators about the origin and effectiveness of DSHEA.
The dietary supplement industry sees DSHEA as creating a conducive market environment by permitting nutritional support claims for supplements while preventing the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) from regulating dietary supplement ingredients as food additives. However, coalition members underscore that DSHEA still give FDA the scope to ensure safety in supplements.
But as governments change and evolve, the dietary supplement industry must keep up with it.
"Xango recognizes the need for long-term education of members of Congress and their staffs on the needs and benefits of our industry," said David Seckman, chief executive officer of the coalition and president of the Natural Products Association. "Especially since well over half of current members of the US House and Senate were not in office during the passage of DSHEA in 1994."
Other coalition members include: Neways International, Capsugel, General Nutrition Companies, Herbalife International of America, New Hope Natural Media, Reliance Vitamin, American Herbal Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Dietary Supplement Education Alliance, Natural Products Association, United Natural Products Alliance, and Reliance Vitamins.