WASHINGTON—The Natural Products Foundation (NPF) board of directors discussed how its NPF Truth in Advertising program can better educate industry on legal marketing with Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., Director of FDA’s Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, at SupplySide West in October.
Marc Ullman, chairman of the NPF Legal Advisory Council, expressed his gratitude that Fabricant met with the board. “The information about FDA’s dietary supplement program priorities and initiatives that Dr. Fabricant was able to share with the Board will be of great assistance in helping us make our programs even more effective," he said.
The Truth in Advertising program works to educate publishers, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to help ensure the information presented to consumers concerning dietary supplements is truthful and not misleading. The NPF advertising review process is a proactive effort targeting non-compliant dietary supplement ads. Reviews specifically investigate advertisements that claim to treat or mitigate disease. The NPF Truth in Advertising program has completed 110 dietary supplement ad reviews in 2011, and during 2010 and 2011, NPF has mailed 130 warning letters to companies responsible for marketing dietary supplements.
The Truth in Advertising review process is initiated by NPF staff members under the supervision of the NPF Legal Advisory Council. The current Legal Advisory Council members are Ullman, Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman; Jackie Kuler, Gronek & Associates; and Nicholas Licato, Nexgen Pharma. The program is overseen by Ullman and NPF executive director Deb Knowles.
The majority of companies contacted through Truth in Advertising efforts have brought their promotional materials into compliance. When companies refuse or fail to amend illegal advertising practices, NPF refers the matter to FTC and FDA. In 2010 and 2011, NPF has referred 25 cases to federal agencies.
