CRN objects to proposed 3rd-party verification rule for military retail outlets

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responisble Nutrition on Wednesday stood up against a proposed pre-market approval requirement on dietary supplements being sold on U.S. military bases. 

 

In response to an announcement from Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., of his intent to offer an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require all dietary supplement products sold on military bases (including commissaries or retail stores) to be verified by an independent third-party selected by FDA, CRN noted that the additional rule would be duplicative of regulations already on the books. 

 

“While third-party verification programs are valid and commendable options for companies who choose to find ways to differentiate themselves for their customers, to mandate third-party certification as a requirement of sale would add costs that could be prohibitive for companies and would likely be passed on to consumers," stated Steve Mister, CRN president and CEO. "Even more important, and overlooked by this amendment, are the laws and regulations already in place that require all companies marketing dietary supplements to abide by good manufacturing practices, labeling requirements and a host of other regulations."

 

And it wouldn't preclude servicemen and women from seeking their supplements elsewhere, either off-base or online. "CRN is deeply committed to ridding the marketplace of bad actors and keeping consumers safe," Mister said. "However, we believe that this amendment does not address those concerns, and instead would create unnecessary burdens for responsible companies manufacturing safe and beneficial products.”