Regulatory

With the expected release of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA; Rockville, MD) good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements just months away, some companies are still struggling with the new regulations.

Soy foods have come a long way since the early days of tofu and meat substitutes. In the past few years, food technologists have become adept at devising new applications for soy and have expanded the array of choices available to consumers.

It is hard to imagine a better market for low-carb products than California. But sellers of low-carb products in California, if they are not careful, could run afoul of the state’s strict consumer protection laws.

Vitamin and mineral supplement manufacturers are adding more ingredients to multivitamin formulas than ever before.

The herbal product category has had a difficult year. First came the ephedra ban. Then came new studies questioning the efficacy of several common extracts. And in case you missed those items, there was also the article on 'dangerous supplements still at large' in the May issue of Consumer Reports.Despite the steady stream of bad news, manufacturers are optimistic that the category will survive, and even prosper, in the years ahead.