The Natural Products Association (NPA) has joined the Coalition for Accurate Product Labels (CAPL), to ensure that consumers have access to accurate and meaningful information about the nutritional supplements and natural products.
The CAPL is a newly formed group which aims to combat growing frequency of “unfounded” and “unwarranted” state-specific warning labels and other labeling requirements.
Through the coalition, more than 60 industry groups, including NPA, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and the Corn Refiners Association are seeking amendment to 1966 Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA).
The proposed amendment, Accurate Labels Act, allows for establishment of a federal standard mandating labeling requirements and warnings be based on risk potential and scientific evidence.
Additionally, the new act authorizes additional regulations where necessary to help prevent consumer deception, reports Nutritional Outlook.
The Coalition said that the existing act is insufficient to protect consumers from incorrect labeling and misrepresented products.
NPA president and CEO Daniel Fabricant said: “Consumers have a right to know what is in the products they use each and every day, especially when it comes to making decisions about taking products to support their health.
“However, unfounded warning label programs like those in California only make product labels more confusing for consumers.”
“Congress must act to protect consumers and put an end to expensive lawsuits and unnecessary new regulatory burdens that are difficult for small businesses to manage.”
The coalition is asking Congress to amend the act by establishing science-based criteria for all additional state and local labeling requirements; allow state-mandated product information to be provided through smartphone-enabled “smart labels” and on websites; and ensure that covered product information is risk-based.