Trade associations respond to RFK, Jr.’s HHS nomination

If confirmed by the Senate, Kennedy, who ran for President as an independent before dropping out and endorsing former President Trump, would take responsibility for HHS, which includes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the regulatory agency responsible for the regulation of food and dietary supplements.

In a post on X on Oct. 25, Kennedy stated: “FDA’s war on public health is about to end. This includes its aggressive suppression of psychedelics, peptides, stem cells, raw milk, hyperbaric therapies, chelating compounds, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, vitamins, clean foods, sunshine, exercise, nutraceuticals and anything else that advances human health and can’t be patented by Pharma. If you work for the FDA and are part of this corrupt system, I have two messages for you: 1. Preserve your records, and 2. Pack your bags.”

Reaction​

Following news of RFK, Jr.’s nomination, NutraIngredients-USA canvassed opinion from the dietary supplement industry’s main trade associations.

Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of the Natural Products Association, stated that his organization is excited about the nomination. “The FDA is in need of serious reform. President-elect Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spotlights the need for this reform,” he said. “We are excited about this nomination because Americans value health, freedom and natural products.”

Loren Israelsen, president of the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), told us: “The incoming administration promised change. The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a clear example of keeping that promise. Should he be confirmed by the Senate, this will mean peril for some and opportunity for others. 

“RFK, Jr. has been quite clear what he feels requires immediate attention to improve the health of children, the land and the right for Americans to choose among a wider range of health and wellness options and choices. I would expect that our views will be heard with greater interest and an openness to be a partner toward a healthier America.”

The American Herbal Products Association’s Michael McGuffin said his association is, “committed to engaging with public health leadership within the incoming administration in support of our mission to ensure access to safe, high-quality dietary supplements.

“A key element of AHPA’s approach is maintaining and building our network of contacts at all levels of government so that we can have a strong voice for our members, no matter how the regulatory landscape may be transformed,”  he said. “Our focus will remain on advancing policies that support consumer safety, transparency, and access to trusted products.” 
Scott Melville, president and CEO of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), commented: “This position is critically important to public health, as it establishes priorities and oversees the regulation of consumer healthcare, including OTC drugs and devices and dietary supplements. Consumers rely upon an evidence-based regulatory framework to ensure the products they choose are safe and beneficial as labeled.

“CHPA and its member companies share his stated intent to improve the public health and provide greater choice for consumers in their self-care options, and we look forward to learning more about Mr. Kennedy’s priorities as he proceeds through the confirmation process.” 

Critics

Opponents of the dietary supplements industry previously expressed concern over RFK, Jr.'s potential nomination, with an opinion piece in STAT​ on Nov. 11 by authors affiliated with Harvard-based STRIPED​ stating, "We are particularly concerned that he [RFK, Jr.] highlighted nutraceuticals, a subtype of dietary supplement, and peptide hormones, a common adulterant in the dietary supplements sold for weight loss and muscle building, as advancing human health. Peptides can be extremely dangerous, are widely promoted on social media to young people, and are prohibited by both the U.S. Department of Defense for use by service members and by the World Anti-Doping Agency for use by competitive athletes.

"In the absence of meaningful regulation from the FDA, the supplement industry will no doubt take Kennedy’s stance as a free pass to relentlessly promote its deceptive and predatory products."