Latest News I love writing guest articles and collaborating See appearances for Asa's events and podcasts Aug 24, 2026 Interview NutraIngredients Cassandra Stern When the influencer isn’t real: AI amplifies familiar supplement advertising risks Synthetic spokespeople may be new, but industry experts say brands remain responsible for substantiated claims, truthful endorsements and transparent marketing. Read More A recent New York Times investigation has identified hundreds of AI-generated wellness personalities promoting supplements to U.S. consumers on social media, including personas presented as doctors and other health experts. "The biggest mistake would be using AI to create credibility or personal experience that is not real. A mistake would be assuming that an AI disclosure fixes everything...saying that a character is AI-generated does not allow it to make a disease or unsupported health claim acceptable." - Asa Waldstein Aug 19, 2026 Interview NutraIngredients Cassandra Stern Qunol faces class action over omega-3 claims Quten Research Institute is facing a proposed class action alleging that its Qunol Ultra Omega-3 Fish Oil contains less omega-3 than the 1,000 mg advertised on the product label. Read More "I expect these types of lawsuits to continue, so now is a good time for brands to review their labels and GMP documentation again to help mitigate the risk of lawsuits." -Asa Waldstein Aug 4, 2026 Interview NutraIngredients Cassandra Stern Ryse sued over alleged protein shortfalls in Clear Protein Drinks Ryse Up Sports Nutrition is facing a proposed class action alleging its Ryse Clear Protein Drinks contain between 6% and 11% less protein than the 22 g declared on the label. Read More "Companies should not treat protein labeling as copying a number from a raw-material specification or formulation sheet," said Asa Waldstein, principal at Apex Compliance and chair of the Supplement Advisory Group. Aug 3, 2026 Interview, Roundtable Discussion Nutrition Industry Executive Mike Straus Formulating the Perfect Product Asa and others contribute to this discussion Online Read More Nutrition Industry Executive’s roundtable of experts discusses what’s involved in formulating superior products in the modern era. Formulators help ensure finished products meet regulatory standards and are efficacious by building regulatory review into the earliest stages of product development. - Asa Waldstein Jul 27, 2026 Interview SupplySide Supplement Journal Rachel French Regulators mostly silent on GLP-1 supplement claims GLP-1 products introduced in the supplement industry, Informa Markets' Larisa Pavlick said, typically fall into one of two categories: products that provide nutritional support for users of GLP-1 drugs, and products that claim to “mimic the pharmaceutical-like effect of those pharmaceutical products.” Read More The number of dietary supplement brands that make GLP-1-related claims is spiking. Yet, the emerging category of supplements has been largely met with silence from regulators, creating ambiguity for brands. Jun 17, 2026 Interview United Natural Products Alliance UNPA Meet Asa Waldstein UNPA Member Spotlight Read More "I love the sense of community, and the UNPA communications feel personal and like I am talking to a well-informed friend!" - Asa Waldstein "To build a sustainable business, GMPs and regulatory compliance should be woven into the company’s DNA." - Asa Waldstein Jun 15, 2026 Interview NutraIngredients Claudia Adrien FDA warning letter surrounding herpes products underscores potential misuse of AI A U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letter issued earlier this year is continuing to spur conversation about the appropriate use of AI to comply with the agency’s regulations. Read More The FDA warning letter issued to Purolea Cosmetics Lab was the fourth sent by the agency to mention artificial intelligence. May 22, 2026 Interview SupplySide Supplement Journal National Advertising Division recommendations on Tru Niagen upheld The National Advertising Review Board upheld the National Advertising Division’s recommendations that Tru Niagen discontinue use of its “clinically proven” claims. Niagen argued this goes against established precedent from the NAD and Federal Trade Commission. Read More At a Glance The National Advertising Division’s recommendations on Niagen product claims were upheld. “Clinically proven” claims may come with a higher burden of proof than other claims. NAD believes criteria for advertising claims to be a separate issue than FDA oversight of structure/function claims. May 20, 2026 Interview NutraIngredients Cassandra Stern Moringa recalls spotlight pathogen risks across botanical supply chains The FDA investigation, which closed April 1, tied recalled moringa supplements to more than 100 illnesses, drawing renewed industry attention to testing, traceability and supplier verification practices. Read More Recent Salmonella outbreaks linked to recalled moringa-containing dietary supplements have intensified industry scrutiny around pathogen controls and sourcing oversignt for botanical ingredients used in finished products. May 5, 2026 Interview NutraIngredients Danielle Masterson FDA flags eBay listing over GLP-1 claims in rare warning letter The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rarely goes after eBay sellers, which is exactly why it caught Asa Waldstein’s eye. Read More Asa Waldstein broke down an atypical enforcement action involving GLP-1 and blood sugar support claims that appeared to raise regulatory red flags for FDA. Apr 10, 2026 Interview Pet Supplements PRO Lisa Cleaver Compliance as a competitive edge for pet supplement, treat companies Companies that build proactive regulatory frameworks are scaling faster, earning retailer trust and outpacing competitors that treat compliance as an afterthought. Read More Regulatory readiness is becoming a real competitive advantage in pet supplements. Feb 5, 2026 Interview NutraIngredients Danielle Masterson A new generation of energy: Are pouches the next ‘big thing’ in active nutrition? Mouth pouches have emerged as one of the fastest growing CPG categories, signaling a major trend in nootropics as consumers seek functional ways to boost performance—sans nicotine. Read More Dec 3, 2025 Guest Article Nutraceuticals World Asa Waldstein Compliance in the Digital Age: Navigating Enforcement, Marketing Risks, and the Rise of AI | State of the Supplement Industry Emerging enforcement trends include FDA focus on documentation and identity testing, and increased scrutiny of online claims Read More As part of Nutraceuticals World’s 2026 State of the Industry review, Asa Waldstein, Principal at Apex Compliance , highlights emerging enforcement trends shaping supplement marketing and GMP compliance. He notes continued FDA focus on documentation and identity testing, increased scrutiny of online disease claims and influencer disclosures, and new risks tied to AI-related marketing and digital content oversight. Nov 24, 2025 Interview NutraIngredients Cassandra Stern SSG 2025: Asa Waldstein on FDA, FTC and NAD enforcement trends Apex Compliance’s Asa Waldstein shares valuable insights for those seeking to avoid an FDA warning letter, a competitor case with the NAD or a referral to the FTC due to ad claims non-compliance. Read More Nov 5, 2025 Interview NutraIngredients Cassandra Stern NAD+ health ads scrutinized as NAD recommends Reus Research modify or discontinue certain claims The National Advertising Division (NAD) has recommended that Reus Research LLC modify or discontinue several advertising claims related to its Cata-Kor NAD+ Core and Advanced dietary supplements. Read More Oct 27, 2025 Podcast Interview Building Fortunes Radio Stephen Lukawski KISC My Health Radio Show with Captain Cran Man Stephen Lukawski with Asa Waldstein and cohost Peter Mingils Asa Waldstein is our guest on KISC My Health Radio show with Peter Mingils and the King of Cranberries Stephen Lukawski. Read More This week on KISC My Health Radio, Captain Cran Man Stephen Lukawski and Peter Mingils have the privilege of interviewing Asa Waldstein. Oct 16, 2025 Guest Article SupplySide Supplement Journal Asa Waldstein FDA warning letter trends: Third-party reviews, eye products, 'Made in USA' claims In his quarterly update, consultant Asa Waldstein identifies trends in FDA warning letters and other enforcement impacting manufacturers and marketers of dietary supplements. Read More At a Glance FDA warns companies blurring lines between foods and supplements. FDA flags misuse of reviews — curated or highlighted customer reviews may count as product labeling. FTC cracks down on 'Made in USA' claims; what to do now. Sep 24, 2025 Interview NutraIngredients USA Cassandra Stern Ryze Superfoods drops mushroom coffee and matcha health claims after NAD inquiry The case highlights compliance risk for functional beverages and ingredient claims among dietary supplement and food‐adjacent product manufacturers. Read More Sep 19, 2025 Press Mention NutraIngredients USA Claudia Adrien AHPA leans on past to embrace high-tech future at botanical congress The American Herbal Products Association hosted its first botanical congress outside the confines of the SupplySide Global trade show. Read More Sep 15, 2025 Interview NutraIngredients Claudia Adrien Supplement weight management claims in the GLP-1 era Asa and other industry leaders weighed in Read More Earlier this year, California resident Christina Robins sued wellness brand Lemme Inc. accusing it of misleading marketing practices surrounding the company’s GLP-1 Daily supplement. 1 2 3 ... 6 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 6

Synthetic spokespeople may be new, but industry experts say brands remain responsible for substantiated claims, truthful endorsements and transparent marketing. < Back When the influencer isn’t real: AI amplifies familiar supplement advertising risks Cassandra Stern Interview Synthetic spokespeople may be new, but industry experts say brands remain responsible for substantiated claims, truthful endorsements and transparent marketing. The findings have drawn attention to how longstanding rules around health claims, endoursements and advertising disclosures apply when the person delivering the message is synthetic. Existing advertising rules still apply. The FTC's rule covering consumer reviews and testimonials does not impose a blanket prohibition on AI-generated avatars or virtual influencers. The agency has said an AI-generated avatar could be considered a testimonial under the rule and could be prohibited if the underlying testimonial is fake or false. Asa Waldstein, founder and principal at Apex Compliance, told NI this allows brands to use virtual spokespeople to communicate truthful and substantiated product information, provided they comply with the advertising rules that would otherwise apply. "I see a legitimate and positive role for AI influencers," Waldstein said. "In some ways, a well-managed virtual spokesperson may be easier to control than a human influencer because the brand can preapprove the script, limit the character to substantiated claims, standardize disclosures and prevent the off-script statements that frequently create influencer risk," he illustrated. Read More Previous Next

Asa's Speaking Schedule & Event Recordings Asa's Regulatory Education Series & Guest Appearances In-Person, Panel Discussion Wednesday Oct 28, 2026 Science and sales: The right way to use social media trends Supplyside Global Las Vegas Health and wellness influencers have enormous power. Not only can they dramatically impact sales of products already on the market, they can also drive future trends. This session aims to help product developers harness this power effectively. Read More In-Person, Panel Discussion Tuesday Oct 27, 2026 Compliance, claims and legal frameworks in dietary supplements Supplyside Global Las Vegas This session will focus on the regulatory hurdles shaping the dietary supplement industry, offering a practical guide to balancing compliance, quality and innovation. From Food and Drug Administration GMPs and supplier qualifications to claims substantiation and novel ingredient pathways, attendees will uncover how early-stage decisions in sourcing and formulation can prevent costly recalls and regulatory scrutiny. Read More In-Person, Presentation Tuesday May 19, 2026 Using Technology to Review and Develop More Compliant Claims 2026 NASC Annual Conference Arizona Grand Resort & Spa Phoenix, AZ Explore how technology can help teams proactively identify and correct compliance issues across websites, social media, existing materials, and pre-published content. Read More Podcast Wednesday Mar 25, 2026 Compliance For Natural Products Marketing with Asa Waldstein Natural Products Marketer Podcast If you want to grow with better supplement marketing, smarter SEO, and fewer compliance headaches, listen to this episode and share it with someone who touches your website or social media. Read More Presentation, Online Wednesday Mar 25, 2026 From “Gut Health” to Litigation: Marketing Microbiome Supplements Without Stepping Over the Line Naturally Informed 2026 Microbiome Event Asa Waldstein breaks down how current enforcement is shaping microbiome supplement marketing, how to communicate gut, immune, metabolic, mood, and “whole-body” benefits without drifting into disease claims. Read More Webinar Wednesday Dec 3, 2025 Regulatory Reality Check: What Supplement Brands Need to Know About the Healthspan Category Naturally Informed Webinar Active Aging: Mastering the Market Read More Panel Discussion, In-Person Thursday Oct 30, 2025 The dietary supplement/food and beverage pipeline: Bridging the gap with science-backed ingredients SupplySide Global Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Learn how supplement, food and beverage categories are converging, and what it means for ingredient positioning, innovation and future growth. Read More Podcast Wednesday Oct 22, 2025 Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke S02 E60 - Asa Waldstein Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke Podcast Host Jeffrey Burke welcomes Asa Waldstein, a regulatory expert in the natural products industry. They discuss the importance of marketing compliance, the risks associated with misleading claims, and the evolving landscape of regulations in the health sector. Asa shares insights on how to navigate marketing-language effectively, the role of social media in compliance, and the significance of consumer safety. The pair also discuss the challenges faced during the CBD boom and the importance of awareness in the industry. Read More Presentation, In-Person Monday Oct 13, 2025 Microbiome & Probiotic Supplements: Best practices for compliant marketing Global Engage 13th Microbiome R&D & Business Collaboration Forum San Diego Asa Waldstein examines FDA, FTC, NAD, and litigation enforcement trends for dietary supplement and CPG products. He also shares risk-based insights for compliant marketing and provides an overview of the differences between food and pharmaceutical regulations. Join us for this interactive discussion. Read More Online, Workshop Monday Sep 29, 2025 Herbal Product Marketing Claims & Strategies: Pitfalls to Avoid and Best Practices American Herbalists Guild Join Certified Clinical Herbalist and supplement industry expert Asa Waldstein for a practical session on current enforcement trends, FDA warning letters, and how to minimize regulatory risk while maintaining truthful communications. Learn to spot high-risk language, create safer messaging, and explore digital marketing best practices for blogs, social media, product reviews, and influencer partnerships. Read More In-Person, Workshop Monday Sep 15, 2025 Small Business Bootcamp AHPA Cincinnati, OH Join AHPA for their first-ever Small Business Bootcamp, a 1-day workshop in Cincinnati, OH, held in conjunction with AHPA's Botanical Congress and United Plant Savers' International Herb Symposium. Read More In-Person, Presentation Friday Sep 12, 2025 AI in Legal and Regulatory Compliance Nutritional Law Symposium Lehi, UT Asa's presentation will include information on the use of AI tools for claim monitoring, internal document review, and competitive tracking. Read More In-Person, Presentation Friday Sep 5, 2025 Marketing Compliance & Best Practices For Natural Product Marketers: An exploration into enforcement trends and technology solutions SENPA Natural Industry Alliance SOHO Expo Orlando, FL Join Asa Waldstein for an interactive deep dive into the evolving world of marketing compliance for natural product marketers. This session explores enforcement trends, such as FDA warning letters and litigation, to help inform compliant and effective marketing. This presentation provides actionable insights and pitfalls to avoid for independent retailers or brands of all sizes. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions to this discussion. Read More Webinar Tuesday Aug 26, 2025 Keeping up with Claims: Navigating Marketing Compliance AHPA Webinar Dietary supplement claims are your face and foundation for effective product positioning. Strong, substantiated claims reinforce your product’s health benefits and differentiate your product from other brands. Unsubstantiated or violative claims will undermine your brand and put you in the crosshairs of private plaintiffs. Read More In-Person, Panel Discussion Wednesday Jun 25, 2025 Leveraging AI in Dietary Supplement R&D: Harnessing Innovation While Navigating Key Regulatory and IP Risks  American Conference Institute New York, NY As the dietary supplements industry continues to evolve, innovation is driving new product development and improved efficiencies.  From AI-powered R&D to advancements in manufacturing and supply chain optimization, companies are embracing cutting-edge technologies to stay competitive. However, these innovations also introduce complex regulatory, intellectual property, and compliance risks that must be carefully navigated.  Read More Online, Panel Discussion Thursday Jun 12, 2025 How a rapidly evolving world is transforming dietary supplement innovation – summit Inside the Bottle Summit Learn how supplement industry growth requires persistent transformation in the ways it approaches innovation, while maintaining integrity and its core vision for health. Join the 2025 Inside the Bottle Summit, uniting industry stakeholders, where data intelligence and scientific research are at the center of the narrative. Read More Webinar Wednesday Mar 26, 2025 Women's Health Claims: Compliance, Risk, and Marketing Best Practices Naturally Informed Mastering the Market: Women's Wellness The women’s health market is experiencing some major growth. After decades of being under-served and under-researched, the category is booming thanks to cutting-edge science, innovation, and the leadership of women advocating for change. This is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of women’s wellness. Read More Webinar Wednesday Mar 12, 2025 Beyond the Aisle: Navigating Marketing Compliance in the Supplement Industry SENPA Staying compliant with marketing claims is a major challenge for retailers in the natural products industry. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, understanding DSHEA is more important than ever! Join us on March 12th at 2:00 PM EST for the next Beyond the Aisle: Navigating Natural Products Retail session, featuring Asa Waldstein, regulatory expert and founder of Apex Compliance®. He’ll break down what retailers need to know to stay on the right side of compliance. Read More Panel Discussion Wednesday Feb 19, 2025 Key Takeaways for Dietary Supplement Marketers NutraIngredients: Weight Management Summit San Diego Navigating the Future of Weight Management: Innovations, Insights, and Natural Solutions Read More In-Person, Panel Discussion Thursday Jan 23, 2025 Our Commitment to Product Integrity Organic & Natural Health Association Fort Lauderdale, FL The Organic & Natural Health Association 11th Annual Conference Read More Online Tuesday Dec 10, 2024 Navigating GLP-1 Regulatory Compliance: Marketing Best Practices in the Supplement Industry Naturally Informed Active Aging Event This presentation will delve into the current marketing landscape surrounding GLP-1 in the U.S. supplement industry. Asa will look at biomarker enforcement, such as LDLs, to gain insights into marketing best practices, focusing on compliant strategies and pitfalls to avoid when promoting GLP-1-related products. Read More Podcast Wednesday Dec 4, 2024 Unveiling Supplement Regulations: Asa’s Insights on Compliance and Ethical Marketing Natural Products Marketer Podcast Unlock the secrets of dietary supplement regulations with Asa Waldstein, a seasoned regulatory consultant with a background in clinical herbalism. Discover the intricacies of FDA oversight in the supplement industry and learn why the notion that dietary supplements are unregulated is a myth. Asa’s journey from herbal studies in Boulder to advising companies on maintaining compliance provides unique perspectives and invaluable lessons for anyone navigating this complex field. Read More Panel Discussion, Workshop Monday Oct 28, 2024 Education session – Ingredient claims and legal flames: An interactive workshop to dodge regulatory heat SupplySide West Las Vegas, NV Noncompliant dietary supplement ingredient claims can be one of the reasons the Food and Drug Administration comes knocking. In this education session and interactive workshop, experts will dissect the U.S. regulations, laws and guidance that govern ingredient claims, as well as applicable court cases. Read More Webinar Tuesday Sep 24, 2024 Technology solutions for marketing and manufacturing supplements in the US FoodChain ID Navigating the complex landscape of dietary supplement regulations in the U.S. can be challenging. To help you stay ahead, Apex Compliance and FoodChain ID have teamed up to bring you an exclusive webinar. Read More Panel Discussion, Webinar Thursday Jun 27, 2024 Microbiome: Mastering the Market 2024 Naturally Informed Join industry experts Miguel Freitas, PhD, Vice President of Scientific Affairs for Danone North America; Kristina Campbell, Science and Medical writer; and Asa Waldstein, Principal of Supplement Advisory Group, for a look at ‘biotic supplement consumers. Read More In-Person, Solo presentation Wednesday Jun 5, 2024 The Regulatory Process The Mushroom Summit Monterey, CA Evaluate the Regulatory Landscape and Identify What You NEED to Know to Bring Your Functional Mushroom Product to Retail Shelves Read More In-Person, Presentation Tuesday May 14, 2024 Vitafoods Europe Startup Innovation Challenge 2024 Vitafoods Europe Geneva, Switzerland Apex Compliance has been invited as a start up finalist. Asa Waldstein will be on stage as a "top 6" finalist in the most innovative digital solution for the nutraceutical industry. Read More In-Person, Solo presentation Thursday Apr 11, 2024 Labeling & Making Claims NoCo Hemp Expo Estes Park, CO 10th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo Read More Panel Discussion, Webinar Tuesday Apr 9, 2024 New Technology: Opportunities and challenges in the dietary supplement industry AHPA Webinar If you're curious about how new technology -- such as AI and blockchain -- can be applied to the dietary supplement industry, join us for the next AHPA webinar on April 9. Read More Webinar Thursday Mar 7, 2024 Pitfalls to Avoid When Marketing Products Velocity CPG Asa reviews common pitfalls when marketing products that can lead to expensive litigation or agency action such as social media engagement, citing clinical studies, blogs, and influencer best practices. Read More Presentation, Online Thursday Feb 29, 2024 The Regulatory Universe & AI Naturally Informed Asa participates in "The Regulatory Universe & AI" discussion with Akash Shah. Read More Solo presentation, Panel Discussion Wednesday Feb 14, 2024 Sports & Active Nutrition Summit USA Sports & Active Nutrition Summit USA San Diego Asa Waldstein speaks about Apex Compliance and accepts a NutraIngredients Start Up Stars Award. He also participates in Start Up Stars entrepreneur panel discussion. Read More Panel Discussion Thursday Jan 25, 2024 Amazon: Opportunities and Threats in 2024 and Beyond Organic & Natural Health Association Cape Coral, FL Asa Waldstein participates in a panel discussion on AI and Amazon with David Trosin (NSF), Ryan Sensenbrenner (Enzymedica), and moderated by Quality of Life, Dan Lifton. This discussion takes place at the Organic and Natural Health Association's annual conference. Read More Virtual Fireside Chat Friday Jan 19, 2024 Radicle Perspectives: Elevating the supplement industry Radicle Science Reading the Tea Leaves (Part I): What 2024 Has In Store for Dietary Supplements Regulations and Compliance Read More Presentation, Online Thursday Dec 7, 2023 Making Your (Compliant) Message Shine: Best Practices for Reaching & Engaging Consumers Naturally Informed Active Aging: Mastering the Market 2023 Read More Interview Thursday Nov 23, 2023 Managing Dietary Supplement Marketing Risks, with Asa Waldstein of the Supplement Advisory Group NutraPreneur Bridging Compliance & Marketing with Asa Waldstein’s Unique Perspective Read More Panel Discussion, In-Person Wednesday Nov 15, 2023 Avoid the Lawsuit - Top Labeling Mistakes Colorado Food Works Arvada, CO We will be reviewing top labeling mistakes that can result in lawsuits and costly re-prints. Read More Panel Discussion, Online Tuesday Nov 14, 2023 The claims they are a-changin’ AHPA Botanical Congress Moderated by Asa Waldstein (Supplement Advisory Group), this session will feature discussion of the new FTC dietary supplement advertising guidance, the notices that followed, and the impact of both, as well as adequate claim substantiation. Read More Presentation, In-Person Thursday Oct 26, 2023 Microbiome Products: Enforcement & Marketing Compliance Supplyside West Las Vegas Claims, regulatory compliance and messaging around microbiome ingredients Read More Interview Saturday Aug 12, 2023 Regulatory Expert Asa Waldstein The Herbalist Hour Ep. 55 HerbRally In this episode, Mason and Asa delve into all sorts of topics, and chat about substantiation dossiers, using puns as claims in marketing, general business advice, and more! Read More Virtual Fireside Chat Friday Jun 16, 2023 Substantiation Dossiers: Building Trust in Label Claims for Retailers, Influencers, and Consumers Radicle Science June 16, 2023 (10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET) Join Radicle Perspectives with Asa Waldstein, Principal of Supplement Advisory Group, as we discuss how to mitigate label claim risk, the impact recent headlines have had on dietary supplement consumers, and what Asa sees is next when it comes to the FTC drama. Read More Symposium Friday Jun 9, 2023 16th International Herb Symposium at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, on June 9-11, 2023 International Herb Symposium Asa teaches various GMP and marketing compliance classes at this three-day event. Read More Presentation Tuesday May 23, 2023 Regulatory compliance and reducing class action risk Naturally Informed - Microbiome: Mastering the Market 2023 This three-day intensive virtual conference will examine not only probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics, but also numerous other microbiome- modulated interactions including the impact of stress and diet. Experts will examine leading-edge science, and deliver practical tools to leverage this science to competitive advantage and truly mastering the market. Read More Virtual Course Friday May 19, 2023 Ethics in Marketing Dietary Supplements: Common Practitioner Pitfalls to Avoid AcuHealth Academy Upcoming CEU Course May 19th @ 12pm CST Read More Panel Discussion, Online Tuesday May 16, 2023 The Label: Getting to the truth on natural product claims AHPA Botanical Congress In this session, Asa Waldstein (Supplement Advisory Group) will provide an overview of key considerations for label claims, with Amber Littlejohn (Ice Miller) and Jake Hebert (One Step Closer) expanding on health-related claims and environmental claims, respectively. Read More In-Person, Panel Discussion Thursday May 11, 2023 Considerations in entering the US market: Pitfalls, best practices, regulatory and innovation needs Vitafoods Insights Theatre Geneva, Switzerland Regulatory and marketing panel Read More Podcast Monday Apr 24, 2023 GMPs and Dietary Supplements: A Conversation With the Experts CHPA Chat Asa Waldstein, Larisa Pavlick, Josh Long discuss dietary supplement GMPs and best practices. Read More Podcast Monday Apr 17, 2023 The Hoban Minute - Episode 170 with Asa Waldstein of Supplement Advisory Group The Hoban Minute Xavier interviews Asa Waldstein, founder of Apex Compliance and principal at Supplement Advisory Group. Read More Panel Discussion Thursday Apr 13, 2023 Marketing Claims and Protecting Your Brand Naturally Los Angeles Leaders in the natural products space share their experience on how to market claims and protect your brand. Read More Panel Discussion Wednesday Mar 29, 2023 Claims, Compliance, COA panel NoCo Hemp Expo Colorado Springs, CO Certifications, COA’s, Compliance & Claims Read More

< Back In-Person, Panel Discussion Wednesday Oct 28, 2026 Science and sales: The right way to use social media trends Supplyside Global Las Vegas Health and wellness influencers have enormous power. Not only can they dramatically impact sales of products already on the market, they can also drive future trends. This session aims to help product developers harness this power effectively. We’ll discuss how to be trend-informed, but science-driven. Experts will share how to identify trends with long-tail potential and how to develop trendy products that are actually effective and backed by science. Learn More Previous Next

< Back In-Person, Panel Discussion Tuesday Oct 27, 2026 Compliance, claims and legal frameworks in dietary supplements Supplyside Global Las Vegas This session will focus on the regulatory hurdles shaping the dietary supplement industry, offering a practical guide to balancing compliance, quality and innovation. From Food and Drug Administration GMPs and supplier qualifications to claims substantiation and novel ingredient pathways, attendees will uncover how early-stage decisions in sourcing and formulation can prevent costly recalls and regulatory scrutiny. With insights into frequently cited deficiencies, shared responsibilities across the supply chain and emerging legal complexities, this discussion bridges foundational knowledge with tactical strategies. Participants will leave equipped to design compliant, scalable products that uphold consumer trust and thrive in today’s increasingly intricate regulatory landscape. Learn More Previous Next

Quten Research Institute is facing a proposed class action alleging that its Qunol Ultra Omega-3 Fish Oil contains less omega-3 than the 1,000 mg advertised on the product label. < Back Qunol faces class action over omega-3 claims Cassandra Stern Interview Quten Research Institute is facing a proposed class action alleging that its Qunol Ultra Omega-3 Fish Oil contains less omega-3 than the 1,000 mg advertised on the product label. The class action lawsuit was filed last month in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, citing independent testing commissioned by the plaintiff that allegedly detected approximately 404 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per two-capsule serving. Cases involving alleged differences between label declarations and product testing are fairly common and relatively easy for plaintiffs' attorneys to pursue, according to Asa Waldstein, founder and principal of Apex Compliance. "These types of alleged label mismatches are common and somewhat easy for plaintiff attorneys to bring, since label testing is fairly inexpensive, and the 'consumer didn't get what they paid for' argument is relatively simple to make," he told NutraIngredients. Read More Previous Next

Asa and others contribute to this discussion Online < Back Formulating the Perfect Product Mike Straus Interview, Roundtable Discussion Asa and others contribute to this discussion Online Formulators help ensure finished products meet regulatory standards and are efficacious by building regulatory review into the earliest stages of product development. This starts with confirming that every ingredient is lawful and appropriate for the intended product category and market. This may include evaluating whether an ingredient is an old dietary ingredient, whether a New Dietary Ingredient Notification may be needed, whether the ingredient has an appropriate GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status where relevant, and whether the intended conditions of use are supported by safety data. Safety is the foundation of compliance. Strong formulators also consider the global regulatory pathway early. A formula that works in the U.S. may not automatically work in the E.U., Canada, Australia or other markets. Maximum vitamin and mineral levels, permitted ingredient forms, novel food rules, botanical restrictions, required warnings and claim standards can vary significantly by country. -Asa Waldstein Read More Previous Next

Ryse Up Sports Nutrition is facing a proposed class action alleging its Ryse Clear Protein Drinks contain between 6% and 11% less protein than the 22 g declared on the label. < Back Ryse sued over alleged protein shortfalls in Clear Protein Drinks Cassandra Stern Interview Ryse Up Sports Nutrition is facing a proposed class action alleging its Ryse Clear Protein Drinks contain between 6% and 11% less protein than the 22 g declared on the label. Filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California by California consumer Daniel Ruchman, the lawsuit alleges independent laboratory testing of three flavors found protein levels ranging from 19.69 g to 20.69 g per serving. The complaint alleges the products violate federal labeling requirements and California consumer protection laws, stating that the beverages are "misbranded and falsely advertised because the products contain less grams of protein than is claimed on the Products' labels." Read More Previous Next

GLP-1 products introduced in the supplement industry, Informa Markets' Larisa Pavlick said, typically fall into one of two categories: products that provide nutritional support for users of GLP-1 drugs, and products that claim to “mimic the pharmaceutical-like effect of those pharmaceutical products.” < Back Regulators mostly silent on GLP-1 supplement claims Rachel French Interview GLP-1 products introduced in the supplement industry, Informa Markets' Larisa Pavlick said, typically fall into one of two categories: products that provide nutritional support for users of GLP-1 drugs, and products that claim to “mimic the pharmaceutical-like effect of those pharmaceutical products.” The number of dietary supplement brands that make GLP-1-related claims is spiking. Yet, the emerging category of supplements has been largely met with silence from regulators, creating ambiguity for brands. Ozempic and similar drugs, classified as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, were initially designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but now are commonly used for weight loss. The drugs have seen immense popularity in recent years. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine identified a 700% increase in prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs in patients with overweight or obesity diagnoses over a four-year period. The study — which tapped 45 million de-identified medical records — found about 21,000 patients in the U.S. were using GLP-1 drugs to treat overweight or obesity in 2019, compared to 174,000 in 2023. Read More Previous Next

UNPA Member Spotlight < Back Meet Asa Waldstein UNPA Interview UNPA Member Spotlight What are your areas of expertise, products, or services? Any milestones or wins you’re especially proud of? I focus on understanding enforcement trends and using those insights to inform compliant marketing. Essentially, knowing what can get a company in trouble helps define the creative parameters for their marketing. I brought this knowledge and these principles to Apex, and have trained our NovaAI Regulatory Assistant in the nuances of compliance. I’m especially proud of Apex’s ability to identify and understand net impression marketing risks. For example, the phrase “immune support” is an allowable structure/function claim, but if that phrase appears alongside someone wearing a mask in a video, brochure, or webpage, Apex can flag it as a potential implied cold and flu prevention claim. We’ve taught the AI to think like a regulatory expert. I’m also especially excited that we received API approval from Meta, which allows Apex to scan text and images on business accounts. It’s a unique integration, and we’re already finding many “regulatory landmines” on companies’ social media before they lead to bigger issues. Read More Previous Next

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letter issued earlier this year is continuing to spur conversation about the appropriate use of AI to comply with the agency’s regulations. < Back FDA warning letter surrounding herpes products underscores potential misuse of AI Claudia Adrien Interview A U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letter issued earlier this year is continuing to spur conversation about the appropriate use of AI to comply with the agency’s regulations. Read More Previous Next

The National Advertising Review Board upheld the National Advertising Division’s recommendations that Tru Niagen discontinue use of its “clinically proven” claims. Niagen argued this goes against established precedent from the NAD and Federal Trade Commission. < Back National Advertising Division recommendations on Tru Niagen upheld Interview The National Advertising Review Board upheld the National Advertising Division’s recommendations that Tru Niagen discontinue use of its “clinically proven” claims. Niagen argued this goes against established precedent from the NAD and Federal Trade Commission. What does “clinically proven” mean? What is the future of “clinically proven” structure/function claims on dietary supplements? These are two questions to arise from a recent ruling handed down from the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) National Programs. ‘Clinically proven’ comes with a high bar. “‘Clinically proven’ is a strong claim, and a reasonable consumer could think the finished product — or at least a very comparable product form, dose, strength and use pattern — has been clinically studied and shown to deliver the stated result,” said Asa Waldstein, founder and principal at Apex Compliance, a regulatory and marketing compliance firm specializing in dietary supplements. Waldstein isn’t surprised by challenges to “clinically proven” claims, stating they are an easy target for litigation, but the threshold for such claims is higher than others. “For a ‘clinically proven’ claim, the bar is high, and a double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial is often the gold standard for this kind of claim,” Waldstein said. “The real question is whether the evidence is competent, reliable and closely matched to what consumers are likely to take away.” His key takeaway is that companies can still discuss NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and ingredient research, with a caveat. “Once the language moves into ‘clinically proven’ territory, the claim needs to stay tightly aligned with the evidence,” Waldstein said. “If the evidence is narrower than the claim, the claim usually needs to be narrowed too.” Read More Previous Next