The Supplement OWL (the Online Wellness Library) – the industry-wide, self-regulatory product label registry being spearheaded by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) – went live in April 2017.
The registry is intended to boost transparency in the industry by providing a more complete picture of the marketplace. It serves as a resource for regulators, retailers, and industry, and can be accessed by anyone using the internet.
The registry has been endorsed several industry associations, including the United Natural Products Alliance, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, and the Natural Products Association, as well as the American Botanical Council.
Commenting on NSF’s support of the OWL, Bestervelt said: “As a global organization with a mission of protecting and improving human health, we are pleased to see the supplement industry working together for greater accountability and transparency.
“We believe the Supplement OWL will be a valuable tool for regulators, retailers and consumers and we applaud the Council for Responsible Nutrition and all the other organizations involved in creating it.”
Steve Mister, CRN President & CEO, welcomed the support, saying: “CRN is delighted to see NSF’s public support and enthusiasm for the Supplement OWL. The registry is a crucial self-regulatory initiative that needs full industry support to succeed, and we’re pleased that NSF has positioned itself behind the registry. It makes sense that NSF, as a leader in public health and safety, recognizes the importance of the Supplement OWL and the role it will play in advancing the supplement industry through accountability and transparency.”