Nutritional Outlook Features John E. Villafranco on Dietary Supplement Investigation

Partner John E. Villafranco was featured in the Nutritional Outlook article ​“Dietary Supplement Industry in the Crosshairs: Takeaways from the New York Attorney General Investigation.” In February, New York Attorney General (NY AG) Eric Schneiderman issued cease-and-desist letters to makers and retailers of herbal supplements for allegedly not meeting label claims. The AG, with a coalition of fellow attorneys general behind him, has continued investigating and taking action against what he says are ​“serious problems” in the herbal supplements industry. Nutritional Outlook asks dietary supplement industry leaders, ​“In your opinion, what effects—either good or bad—has the NY AG investigation had on the dietary supplements industry? Can you point to any positive takeaways for the industry?” Mr. Villafranco notes that, ​“A key takeaway for the industry is that the NY AG’s office is a unique regulator often requiring a unique response. It is not unusual for it to delve into specialized areas concomitantly governed by federal agencies, and it is likewise not unusual for it to publicize its investigations from day one. “

To read Mr. Villafranco’s entire response and the full article, please click here.