On June 11, nearly 80 dietary supplement industry leaders convened in Washington, D.C., for the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s (CRN) annual “Day on the Hill.” This record-breaking event saw executives meeting with legislators to address critical issues shaping the supplement sector and public health.
CRN President and CEO Steve Mister highlighted its significance: “Informed dialogue is vital for shaping sound nutrition policy.” With a new Congress and administration, the timing was perfect for this robust turnout.
Key Issues Discussed
Industry leaders focused on four pressing topics:
-
HSA/FSA Access for Supplements
Advocates pushed for Americans to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to buy supplements. A 2023 Ipsos survey showed 78% of account holders support this, with a potential inclusion in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill. -
Mandatory Product Registry
CRN urged Congress to mandate a database for supplement products, boosting transparency and stakeholder visibility. -
FDA’s Drug Preclusion Stance
The industry sought clarity on the FDA’s drug preclusion policy, which has blocked new supplement launches. CRN asked lawmakers to demand an FDA response to its citizen petition or amend the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). -
Tariff Concerns
With tariffs looming, CRN encouraged the Department of Commerce to safeguard affordable supplement access.
Broader Health Goals
Discussions also covered chronic disease prevention, wellness, affordable healthy food, and sustainable agriculture—priorities aligning with national health objectives across political lines.
From left to right: Don Nardini (CEO of Great Healthworks), Jon Benninger (Vice President and Head of Markets at Informa), Kelly Blanch (Senior Business Director of SuanNutra), Heather Alfano (Chief Public Policy Advisor at Amway), Maria Keddia (Legislative Reporter, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly's Office) in Kelly's office
Personal Takeaway
Having joined several House and Senate meetings, I was impressed by legislators’ interest in supplements’ potential to enhance public health and cut healthcare costs. These events build essential relationships, ensuring our industry’s voice resonates in Washington.
Looking Ahead
While immediate outcomes are rare, CRN’s Day on the Hill strengthens advocacy for policies supporting consumer access, transparency, and innovation—paving the way for supplements to play a bigger role in public health.
The event stakeholders commended the following companies for sending leaders to participate in the event:
Abbott Nutrition, Anderson Advanced Ingredients, Amway/Nutrilite, Archer Daniels Midland, AstaReal, Balchem Human Nutrition & Pharmaceuticals, BASF, Better Being, Brassica Protection Products, Cargill Health & Nutrition, Church & Dwight, DSM-Firmenich, Fermenta Biotech, Future Nutrition Foundation, GNC, Great HealthWorks, Haleon, Hawkins, Herbalife, Informa, Kenvue/Zarbee’s, Kerry Taste & Nutrition, Kyowa Hakko America, Mason Vitamins, Mary Kay, Naturo, Nature’s Way Brands, Nestlé Health Science, Niagen Bioscience, Novonesis, NSF, Nutrawise Health & Beauty, OmniActive Health Technologies, Ortho Molecular Products, Inc., Pharmavite, Inc., Plexus Worldwide, Inc., Seraphina Therapeutics, Inc., SIRIO Pharma Co., Inc., Standard Process, Stratum Nutrition, SuanNutra, Unilever Health & Well-Being, USANA Health Sciences, Verb Biotics, Vytalogy Wellness, and XYMOGEN.
If you work with any of these companies, be sure to thank them for their efforts for the industry as a whole. At the next Capitol Hill Day event, let’s work together to make an impact and ensure Americans continue to have access to safe, effective, science-based dietary supplements and related information.
