Regulation

IPA Europe responds critically to recent EU Ombudsman's decision that the EC’s position in relation to probiotics is “reasonable". “While we respect the Ombudsman’s role, its conclusions fail to address the main critical concerns raised by stakeholders,” the association insists.

FTC seeks comment on three proposals to “strengthen the agency’s tools to curb deceptive earnings claims in industries where they are pervasive: multi-level marketing programs and money-making opportunities.” However, Republican members say they’ll reconsider the proposals as a majority after Trump takes office.

In response to an IPA Europe complaint, European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly finds that the Commission’s interpretation of EU food legislation in relation to probiotics is “reasonable and in line with the main goal of this legislation, which is to ensure a high level of consumer protection.”

Vitamin, mineral and supplement products “may bear nutrient content claims, including ‘healthy,’’ if they meet structure/function claim criteria “without being subject to the requirements of the ‘healthy nutrient content claim” stated in the final rule FDA published recently.

UK food toxicity committee says substantial exceedances of the Acceptable Daily Intake of turmeric - such as through excessive supplement use - represents a potential health risk to humans.

Texas bill filed in advance of the state’s next legislative session starting in January while bills proposing prohibiting sales of supplements and OTC drugs for weight loss or bodybuilding to minors remain active in three states where current sessions continue, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey.

FDA and USDA ask for comments on questions on date labeling for food, supplements in response to Biden administration’s June 2024 final National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics.

Formula manufacturers must notify FDA of permanent discontinuance or interruption in production “likely to lead to a meaningful disruption in the supply … and the reasons for such discontinuance or interruption” no later than five business days after a problem is identified.

The incoming Trump Administration’s “Department Of Government Efficiency” has big plans for sweeping cuts to the federal bureaucracy and regulation. The US FDA likely will feel some effects, but could avoid the most damaging mandates.

The EU’s health nominee may not be as controversial as the recent US one, but the candidate being grilled has proved the least popular of the commissioner nominations with MEPs

CRN suggestion that FDA prioritize facility inspections on firms which haven’t been cleared in third-party audits apparently has support at agency. But FDA hasn’t been receptive to adjusting its policy on precluding from use as dietary ingredients any substance studied or approved as a drug.

Whether Democrat Harris or Republican Trump is in White House or which party has majority in either chamber of Congress, the FDA’s conundrum will continue around a regulatory pathway for allowing use of ingredients derived from hemp in supplements.

Dietary supplement ingredient promising enhanced memory and mental clarity marketed widely across the US has been authorized for sale in Europe.

Trade group ready to work hand-in-hand with agency and other supplement industry stakeholders on potential regulatory changes or improvements, says president and CEO Steve Mister. “None of them are upsetting the basic balance of things that DSHEA was attempting to do, but there are things with 30 years that we've identified that need to be kind of fixed.”

New Jersey Assembly passed bill amended to expand extensively in defining which products, or ingredients, would be subject to a ban on sales to consumers younger than 18.

In first of two articles from recent interview, president and CEO Steve Mister discusses examples the trade group provides for self-regulation, “where people or companies who might not do it on their own because it would put them at a disadvantage if they were the only ones.”

EFSA has published new guidance to assist companies navigating the EU’s novel food authorisation process. HBW Insight speaks to experts Dr Mari Eskola of Medfiles and Dr Jérôme Le Bloch of FoodChain ID who offer differing views on the benefits and drawbacks of the guidance for industry.

Provision in Wyden and Merkley’s “Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act” referencing FDA authority outside hemp-derived ingredients could provide agency with needed authority to force from the market products labeled as supplements but containing drugs or eliminate the use of many safe ingredients in supplements.

Streamlined process for reporting problems is key piece of “unified Human Foods Program” which officially launched on 1 October, as Commissioner Robert Califf says, “a new model for field operations and other modernization efforts.”

Food Standards Agency tells companies marketing caffeine supplements, “It is your responsibility to ensure food supplements you sell are safe for human consumption.”