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CBD is on fire, but market remains dogged by regulatory confusion and unclear terminology surrounding hemp The U.S. market for foods and beverages featuring hemp-derived CBD could be worth $2.5 billion by 2023, or 10.5 percent of an estimated $23.7 billion market for CBD products, according to a new report from Brightfield Group. The estimate is based on the assumption that FDA will create a legal pathway forward for CBD. Read more→ TOP STORY
Food and supplement industries battle sharply higher tariffs The dietary supplement and food industries face continued tariff challenges, including a recent increase to 25 percent for many dietary ingredients imported from China and new retaliatory tariffs from India on nuts and produce coming from the U.S. Industry leaders, including several trade associations, have fought the tariffs via Congress, submitting comments and participating in public hearings on the China tariffs, but exclusion from the tariffs is far from a guarantee. Read more→ TOP STORY
New scientific findings (good and bad) emerge on CBD In the midst of the current boom in CBD products, new scientific findings are beginning to emerge. One study from the Center for Applied Health Sciences suggests that supplementation with a hemp-derived, CBD-rich extract for six weeks could lead to significant improvements in sleep and reductions in appetite. Other new research from the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology revealed that cannabidiol is active against Gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria responsible for serious infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia. But it was not all good news. A third study by pharmacy researchers at the Center for Dietary Supplement Research at the University of Arkansas, working with older mice, has shown that CBD can exacerbate acetaminophen liver toxicity. Read coverage: Seminal findings: First report of safety and efficacy of hemp-derived CBD rich extract in healthy humans→ Scientists ID CBD as a powerful new antibiotic→ CBD exacerbates acetaminophen’s liver injury potential in mouse model→ TOP STORY
The case for mandatory product listing and the arguments against it Controversy swirls around whether dietary supplement brands should be required to register the products they have on the market with FDA. Two attorneys, Scott Bass of Sidley Austin LLP and Will Woodlee, of Klein, Kaplan & Becker LLP, debated the risks and benefits of a mandatory product registry at the recent CRN/ACI Annual Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Forum on Dietary Supplements. Read more→ TOP STORY
New bill introduced in Senate and House for SNAP eligibility of multivitamins A new SNAP Vitamin and Mineral Act was introduced in both the Senate and the House, reviving the cause after language from a similar bill was dropped from the farm bill that was passed last year. The bill proposes that low-income Americans eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may use their benefit to purchase multivitamins. The new bill has some technical changes but nothing substantial. Read more→ FDA’s CBD meeting: The NDI/GRAS question, gaps in data, timeline underscore complexity of issues6/6/2019
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FDA’s CBD meeting: The NDI/GRAS question, gaps in data, timeline underscore complexity of issues A May 31 public hearing, hosted by FDA regarding CBD products, was an illuminating day of presentations with multiple viewpoints and interests aired. Several speakers urged FDA to provide clarity to a confused marketplace and do so swiftly. FDA is mulling whether to issue regulations that would permit CBD in conventional food and dietary supplements, but its search to answer questions over safety, effectiveness and other issues could lead to a years-long proceeding. Acting Commissioner Norman Sharpless, M.D., cited “real risks” and “critical questions” that remain regarding the safety of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in FDA-regulated products, including food and dietary supplements. Meanwhile, Ben & Jerry’s announced it hopes to release a cannabidiol-infused flavor as soon as the FDA approves such edibles. Read coverage: FDA’s CBD public meeting: The NDI GRAS questions, gaps in the safety data and more→ FDA commissioner highlights unanswered questions regarding safety of CBD, THC→ FDA urged to act swiftly to settle confusion in CBD market→ What’s the regulatory path forward for CBD?→ CBD meeting commentary lays bare complexity of regulatory questions→ Ben & Jerry’s plans CBD infused ice cream pending FDA approval of cannabidiol in food products→ TOP STORY
California State Assembly passes bill authorizing retail sales of CBD food supplements Deciding to not wait for the Food and Drug Administration to act, the California State Assembly recently passed a bill that would authorize the retail sale of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD)—a move intended to supplant a position adopted by health officials in 2018 that has caused a commotion. The bill now goes to the Senate, where proponents hope and expect to get the same kind of bipartisan support that helped it pass the Assembly. Read more→ TOP STORY
Highlights from FDA’s public meeting on responsible innovation in dietary supplementsDietary supplement industry leaders and consumer advocacy groups turned out in force at the highly anticipated public meeting in College Park, Md., on May 6, for the FDA public meeting on responsible innovation in dietary supplements. Among the topic discussed was whether the Health Canada model might improve FDA’s approach and if DSHEA provides enough authority to the agency. Comments came from key industry groups and thought leaders, including Steven Tave, of FDA’s Office of Dietary Supplement Programs, UNPA’s Larisa Pavlick, VP of global regulatory and compliance, and others. Read coverage: 15 Highlights from the FDA’s public meeting on responsible innovation in dietary supplements→ NDI problems take center stage at FDA public meeting→ Could Canadian model improve FDA’s approach to supplements?→ Lawyers: FDA has adequate authority under DSHEA but must act quickly to enforce→ TOP STORY
CVS Pharmacy launches ‘Tested to be Trusted’ program for supplements CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, announced the launch of "Tested to Be Trusted," a program requiring third-party testing of all vitamins and supplements sold in-store and online to confirm the accuracy of the dietary ingredients listed on the supplement facts panel and to confirm products are free from certain additives and ingredients. Supplement products from 152 brands across 11 categories have completed testing. The expanded assortment and new vitamin and supplement testing standards are the latest evolution in CVS Pharmacy's commitment to being a trusted partner in health and holistic wellness and are the focus of a new campaign dedicated to the importance of self-care. Read more→ TOP STORY
Hemp market forecast to hit $20 billion by 2024 Roy Bingham, CEO and co-founder of BDS Analytics, a data firm specializing in the cannabis markets, predicts the U.S. hemp category could grow more than tenfold by 2024. Presenting the data to attendees at the last week's UNPA Members’ Retreat, Bingham noted the market for hemp products in the U.S. is now about $1.8 billion, but tentatively predicted it will hit about $20 billion by 2024. Read more→ |
