Semiannual Meeting Recap: Announcing the New Disclaimer & Celebrating Momentum

Semiannual Meetin Recap

Example of AAHP’s new disclaimer (click to enlarge)

AAHP hosted another successful meeting in March. Held in conjunction with Natural Products Expo West, the meeting brought AAHP members and nonmembers together to learn and network before they enjoyed the trade show floor.

The biggest news came from AAHP’s president, Mark Land, who announced that all homeopathic manufacturers are now encouraged to use the association’s newly researched and tested package disclaimer: “Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.”

Land discussed how AAHP commissioned a third-party professor of marketing from a prominent university in 2017 to conduct research on the proposed disclaimer. That research provides manufacturers with a confirmation on what consumers understand from the disclaimer. Manufacturers should display the disclaimer prominently to inform consumers about the product they are purchasing.

More information to evaluate prominence in labeling and advertising can be found on the Federal Trade Commission’s website. Members can also refer to the Mark Land’s recent article on prominence in advertising and labeling.

During the meeting, AAHP welcomed the first two members to join AAHP in 2018: Forces of Nature, a manufacturer of certified organic homeopathic and natural medicines, and Amy Stueve, R.Ph, a homeopathic practitioner based in Dayton, Ohio.

Members also elected five individuals to the association’s Board of Directors:

Mary Borneman, senior director of corporate communications and public affairs, Hyland’s

Denise Eaton, education manager, Nelsons

Eric Foxman, R.Ph., consultant on cGMPs, homeopathic methods and compliance

Dan Quail, president – North America, Similasan Corp.

Mary Beth Watkins, retired expert in quality and compliance

A prototype of AAHP’s new “Proud Member” plaque

Finally, to thank members for their commitment and to promote AAHP’s value and presence, the association unveiled a newly designed “proud member” plaque during the meeting. Members can display this plaque in their offices or at events. Each member will receive a plaque in the coming months, as will all new members moving forward.