SECAUCUS, N.J.--Representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will address members of the dietary supplement industry from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a May 4 industry forum focused on the proposed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The free event is sponsored by Virgo Publishing and will take place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center immediately prior to the start of the SupplySide East trade show.

Scheduled FDA speakers include Karen Strauss, consumer safety officer, FDA Division of Standards and Labeling Regulations; Richard Williams, director, FDA Division of Market Studies; and Steve Musser, senior chemist, FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).

FDA has scheduled additional public hearings, including one on April 29 in Maryland and one May 6 in California; however, given the number of industry members expected to gather at SupplySide East, this additional forum was added. "This is a great opportunity for members of our industry to speak directly with FDA representatives about the proposed GMPs," said Jon Benninger, director of business development for Virgo Publishing. "We are pleased to be able to offer this forum to the industry."

Due to limited space, industry members who wish to attend the event must pre-register at www.supplysideshow.com/fda. Registrations will be accepted until occupancy limits are reached. The pre-registration process includes the opportunity to submit questions for FDA to address at the forum. Background information on the GMPs can be found at FDA's home page (www.fda.gov).