Washington, DC—Natural products industry members from across the country gathered in the Capitol on June 11 for the Council for Responsible Nutrition's (CRN) annual Day on the Hill. The day of advocacy, which was attended by 79 executives representing CRN member companies, included 69 face-to-face meetings on Capitol Hill. Discussions were held with key lawmakers from both parties, and CRN noted that many of those lawmakers play vital roles in shaping the future of nutrition policy in the U.S.

“CRN’s Day on the Hill is a powerful reminder that science-driven policy and strong regulatory frameworks begin with honest, constructive conversations,” said Steve Mister, CRN President and CEO. “We appreciate the many members of Congress and staff who welcomed our members and listened with interest to the issues that matter most to the millions of Americans who rely on dietary supplements for better health.”

CRN's Major Advocacy Priorities

CRN-outdoor-meeting.jpeg"CRN’s primary objectives for the 2025 Day on the Hill centered on advocating for greater consumer access to dietary supplements, addressing regulatory challenges that impede innovation, and reinforcing the importance of responsible oversight and transparency in the industry," Mister said. "A particular focus was placed on urging lawmakers to support HSA/FSA eligibility for supplements, clarifying the FDA’s stance on drug preclusion, and highlighting the potential impact of tariffs on the industry."

Participants focused their discussions on:

  • Advocating for expanded consumer access to dietary supplements through HSA/FSA eligibility.
  • Underscoring how FDA’s current interpretation of drug preclusion creates barriers to innovation and progress.
  • Raising concerns about economic uncertainties due to potential tariffs.
  • Reiterating CRN's support for FDA oversight through the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP), with a focus on the role of industry-led initiatives to bolster transparency and quality assurance. Members outlined why they support mandatory product listing  (MPL) for dietary supplements.

Reflecting on the day, Mister said: "It’s clear that the event was a great success. Lawmakers and their staffs were especially receptive to CRN’s agenda this year. There was a genuine interest in understanding the broader role that supplements play in nutrition and wellness, and the conversations were both thoughtful and productive. The openness and engagement from policymakers made it evident that CRN’s science-based, responsible approach resonated strongly. Overall, the event advanced CRN’s objectives in meaningful ways and laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration with lawmakers."

Viewpoints From the Hill

CRN-execs-capital.jpeg“CRN’s Day on the Hill was a tremendous success for Kenvue,” said Katie Butler, Head of U.S. Zarbee’s & Dietary Supplements. “It gave us a unique opportunity to connect with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and share how our industry’s products play a vital role in supporting the health and wellness of American families. These conversations are essential to ensuring policymakers understand the value we bring to public health.”

Barry Ritz, Ph.D., Vice President and Head of U.S. Regulatory, Scientific & Medical Affairs at Nestle Health Science, added, “These meaningful conversations plant seeds to help ensure our policymakers are aware of the critical benefits our products deliver to patients and consumers across the nation. This kind of outreach enables us to build connections with lawmakers and clearly demonstrate how our industry’s products support the health and wellness of all Americans. It was a phenomenal success for Nestlé Health Science.”

Looking to the Future: Educating New Lawmakers

This year’s Day on the Hill followed CRN’s engagement campaign with all 79 freshman congressional offices. CRN said that initiative laid the groundwork for effective advocacy by introducing new lawmakers to the supplement industry’s contributions to public health and the economy.

“Our outreach strategy in 2025 has been grounded in proactive education and collaborative advocacy,” said Julia Gustafson, CRN’s Vice President of Government Relations. “The Day on the Hill is where those relationships take root. When policymakers see that our industry is science-based, transparent, and committed to responsible innovation, the path forward becomes clearer.”

Every Effort Helps Strengthen the Industry’s Collective Voice

For those in the industry who were unable to attend the event in person, Mister said there are still many valuable ways to stay engaged and contribute to advocacy efforts. "They are encouraged to get involved with CRN’s various committees, which provide direct access and input into key industry issues throughout the year," he noted. "These committees offer an excellent platform for staying informed, sharing expertise, and helping to shape the industry’s advocacy priorities. In addition, industry members can participate in CRN’s ongoing initiatives, such as advocacy campaigns, educational webinars, and outreach to local lawmakers. Every effort helps strengthen the industry’s collective voice and impact. By joining a committee or participating in these activities, they can play an active role in advancing the industry’s goals and ensuring dietary supplements remain a vital part of the nutrition and wellness conversation."