CIR’s Expert Panel reached tentative safe conclusions for a number of naturally derived ingredients at its December meeting, while identifying data deficiencies for others. In his post-meeting report, Executive Director Bart Heldreth highlights recent commentaries in scientific journals defying the notion that natural is necessarily safe and lauding CIR as the preeminent ingredient safety authority.

AHPA supports 2020 Smithsonian Folklife Festival ginseng program; NPA offers to help Amazon following its notification of potentially counterfeit Align probiotics sold; CRN Day of Science tackles "Healthy Aging"; UNPA partners with hemp industry group; Expo East Herb Walk goes to Green Farmacy; CHPA Educational Foundation KnowYourOTCs campaign named "Social Media Campaign of Year" by PR Daily; and AHPA publishes California Prop 65 compliance guidance for CBD marketers.

CVS implemented “Tested to be Trusted” third-party program for supplements six months ahead of schedule, reducing products at store shelves 7%. National drug chain confirms it will roll out more than 300 health and wellness products across six additional categories.

FDA’s GMP final rule set uniform standards to ensure quality throughout manufacturing, packaging, labeling and holding of supplements, but Supplement Safety and Compliance Initiative says manufacturing practices continue to vary widely across the industry and the agency cannot inspect every facility. “FDA can’t solve all our problems. I don’t know if FDA knows the number of facilities it needs to inspect to ensure consumer confidence," says Daniel Fabricant, president of SSCI member NPA.