The Natural Products Association (NPA), Washington, D.C., announced that Daniel Fabricant, PhD, will be its new CEO. Dr. Fabricant has worked as the director of the Division of Dietary Supplement Programs at the U.S. FDA for the past three years, and prior to that was vice president of global government and scientific affairs for NPA, including serving as active CEO for several months in 2009. 

NPA is the largest and oldest organization representing the entire natural products industry, with more than 2,000 members in all 50 states and internationally, accounting for more than 10,000 retail, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution locations of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements and health/beauty aids.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Dr. Fabricant will be returning to NPA,” said NPA President Roxanne Green. “His service to this association in the past, coupled with the invaluable experience he has gathered at FDA, make him the perfect choice to lead our association in this era of growth. He knows the industry as well, if not better, than anyone. NPA is committed to ensuring that the public knows what is truly natural, that our members understand the complex rules and regulations governing our industry, and that policymakers get the facts. As the foremost industry expert on natural products and dietary supplement issues, Dr. Fabricant will help us achieve those goals.”

“NPA is the leading association in the industry, and my top priority is ensuring NPA remains the premiere organization for advocacy and regulatory engagement. NPA is made up of leaders, and we are going to dedicate ourselves to strengthening that leadership position through hard work and membership growth. Now is the time to take our productivity to the next level, and that is precisely what we will do,” said Dr. Fabricant.

Dr. Fabricant has published extensively and is internationally recognized both for his regulatory and governmental public health expertise and natural products research. He is a sought after speaker, regular guest on national news programs and has testified before Congress. He was awarded the FDA Commissioners Award for his service on several different initiatives. His service at FDA required him to direct agency policy, public affairs and regulatory action regarding regulation of the $32+ billion (USD) dietary supplement industry, a commodity used by over 180 million Americans daily.

Loren Israelsen, president of the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), Salt Lake City, UT, said UNPA awaits “with great anticipation” news regarding the naming of Dr. Fabricant’s successor at FDA, the development of ongoing policy implementation and industry’s evolving relationship with the agency.

“Dr. Fabricant knows the Natural Products Association and the industry well, and his skills will only be enhanced by his work at the Food and Drug Administration,” Mr. Israelsen said. “UNPA maintains its deep commitment to the full and intended implementation of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act as well as of the Food Safety Modernization Act. As we look to the future, a number of additional important issues require the industry’s full attention, including building our base of political allies on Capitol Hill, the creation of a workable definition of natural, the future of non-GMO and organic standards, the integration of personalized lifestyle medicine, and building the next generation of leadership in the natural products industry.”