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On November 18, a coalition of dietary supplement industry trade associations issued a joint press release stating that it is the policy of each organization that they do not endorse or recommend the promotion of dietary supplements for the prevention or treatment of avian flu. 1 The organizations are the American Herbal Products Association, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, and the National Nutritional Foods Association.
One of the primary reasons expressed was the apparent lack of scientific data to support such claims: “We do not believe any dietary supplements have been specifically shown to prevent or treat avian flu.” 1
A similar joint press release was issued by these organizations (plus the Utah Natural Products Alliance) in April 2003 when there were mounting public health concerns about the potential spread of SARS. 2 During that time several articles were published suggesting that the use of traditional Chinese herbal formulations might help prevent SARS. 3
The full press release on avian flu is appended below.
--Mark Blumenthal
References
1.Anon. Industry Coalition Advises Against Use of Dietary Supplements as Remedy for Avian Flu [press release]. American Herbal Products Association, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, National Nutritional Foods Association, Nov. 18, 2005.
2. Anon. Industry Coalition Advises Against Use of Dietary Supplements As a Remedy for SARS [press release]. American Herbal Products Association, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, National Nutritional Foods Association, Utah Natural Products Alliance. Apr. 21, 2003.
3. Foreman W. Chinese Turn to Herbs Against SARS. Associated Press, Apr. 29, 2003.
NEWS RELEASE
From the trade associations of the dietary supplement industry:
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA)
Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2005
CONTACT: AHPA - Karen Robin (301) 588-1171 x.107
CHPA - Elizabeth Assey (202) 429-9260
CRN - Judy Blatman (202) 204-7962
NNFA - Tracy Taylor (202) 223-0101
Industry Coalition Advises Against
Use of Dietary Supplements as Remedy for Avian Flu
Calls for increased vigilance among consumers, retailers, and marketers of dietary supplements
The trade associations of the dietary supplement industry - the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), and the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA)- today issued the following statement:
Washington, D.C.- In light of increased media attention surrounding the threat of an avian flu epidemic, a coalition representing the dietary supplement industry reaffirmed its commitment to the responsible sale and use of health-promoting vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements, and encouraged consumers to use caution should they encounter products which claim to treat or prevent the avian flu.
The dietary supplement industry is keenly aware of public concern regarding avian flu and of the desire of the public to protect itself against this recent health epidemic, which can cause serious illness and, ultimately, death. We do not believe any dietary supplements have been specifically shown to prevent or treat avian flu. While federal law and regulations do not allow any dietary supplement product to claim to treat or prevent avian flu, we are issuing the following unified advisory for marketers and retailers, as well as for consumers of dietary supplements:
• Marketers and retailers of dietary supplements are urged to refuse to stock or sell any products that are presented as preventing, treating or curing avian flu;
• Marketers and retailers should refrain from promoting any dietary supplement as a preventative, cure or treatment for avian flu, and
• Anyone who believes they may have avian flu or may have come in contact with it should immediately contact a healthcare professional.
Millions of Americans value dietary supplements because they can enhance general immune function and disease resistance. However, therapies for the prevention or treatment of avian flu should only be recommended by qualified healthcare professionals or public health authorities.
The organizations supporting this advisory represent the majority of dietary supplement manufacturers. Each of the associations and its member companies remain committed to providing the American public with high quality self-care products. However, each of the associations also recognizes that consumers need to be educated and aware of health conditions which require the care of a health care professional. The potential for a global outbreak of avian flu is such a condition, and people who believe they may have contracted avian flu should consult qualified healthcare professionals for treatment.
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American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Michael McGuffin, President
Founded in 1983, AHPA is the recognized leader in representing the responsible center of the botanical trade, and is comprised of the finest growers, processors, manufacturers and marketers of herbal products. AHPA’s mission is to promote the responsible commerce of herbal products. Website: www.ahpa.org
Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), Linda Suydam, President
CHPA is the 124-year-old national trade association representing U.S. manufacturers and
distributors of nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary
supplement products.
Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Steven Mister, Esq., President & CEO
CRN has represented key manufacturers of dietary supplement ingredients and products
for over 30 years, providing its member companies with regulatory guidance, scientific
information on the benefits and safety of dietary supplements, public relations expertise,
and legislative support.
National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), David Seckman, Executive
Director and CEO
NNFA was founded in 1936 and represents the interests of some 8,000 retailers,
manufacturers, and distributors of natural products, including health foods, dietary
supplements, and cosmetics.
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