CRN Updates Code of Ethics

WASHINGTON—The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) announced its members will be asked to adhere to a revised Code of Ethics recently adopted by the association’s Board of Directors. CRN first adopted a Code of Ethics in March 1985; it was revised in June 2004, and again in March 2008 for implementation by January 2009.

Steve Mister, president and CEO, CRN, said: “In addition to following government regulations—those things they must do—responsible industries must also observe self-regulation—those things they should do and hold each other accountable to—in order for the industry to thrive. Self-regulation is a sign of a mature industry, an industry that demonstrates to consumers that it stands behind its products. ... Although the core remains unchanged, we’ve streamlined the Code to succinctly focus on six principles that encourage the highest ethics for companies in dealing with their customers, suppliers, competitors, regulators and consumers in order to foster consumer confidence. The revised Code provides broad guidance to companies, allowing them flexibility in developing the type of programs, practices and solutions that respond to those principles identified in the Code and assure their companies’ conformance to these tenets.”

Although the association’s Code of Ethics is a voluntary program, all CRN members are asked to pledge commitment to the Code when they renew their membership or join CRN. The revised Code of Ethics goes into effect Jan. 1, 2009, and will be posted on the CRN Web site at that time.