NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2016
Contact: Justin Bartolomeo
(202) 789-4365
[email protected]
NPA Tightens Its Natural Certification Standards as FDA
Considers Formal Definition of ‘Natural’
Leading Trade Association Says Even Trace Amounts of Certain Synthetics in
Products Will No Longer Earn Natural Seal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Natural Products Association (NPA) today announced new and tighter
standards for products seeking to gain its coveted “NPA Certified” seal by prohibiting the seal for goods
containing certain synthetics. Since the program began in 2008, NPA has certified and authorized the seal
for 1,700 products and ingredients. The tighter standards decided on by an NPA working group in June
are part of the association’s goal to eventually remove all synthetic materials from its Natural Seal
certification program.
“The NPA certification is the gold standard in our industry, and we are constantly looking for ways to
keep it as strong as possible. This is a bold step that maintains our leadership position and gives
consumers more confidence that the NPA seal means a product is truly natural,” said Dr. Dan Fabricant,
Executive Director and CEO of NPA.
Earlier this year, the FDA began the first steps toward defining natural as it relates to certain food
products. NPA, which has long called on the agency to take such action, has taken a leadership role in the
rulemaking process, submitting official comments in May of this year.
“As FDA considers how to define ‘natural,’ which could take years, NPA’s Natural Seal program remains
the only U.S.-based Natural Certification program that provides consumers and the industry with clear
guidelines for natural products. We have urged the FDA to look closely at NPA’s program as it wrestles
with this challenging issue,” continued Dr. Fabricant.
The ingredients that will no longer be allowed in any amount under the new standards:
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Tropolone: A common synthetic preservative found in personal care products such as makeup. It
was previously allowed in certified products except for products specifically intended for infants
and breastfeeding mothers.
Chlorphenisin: A common synthetic preservative found in topical products.
The NPA Natural Standard is constantly reviewed and updated as new research becomes available and as
more truly natural alternatives become readily available. Previously, NPA had removed synthetic
fragrances and only allow natural fragrances for products to be eligible to receive certification in the NPA
Natural Standard for Personal and Home Care Products.
The list of certified products, ingredients and certification materials are available online. Find out more at
www.TheNaturalSeal.org.
Natural Products Association
The Natural Products Association (NPA) is the trade association representing the entire natural products industry. We advocate
for our members who supply, manufacture and sell natural ingredients or products for consumers. The Natural Products
Association promotes good manufacturing practices as part of the growth and success of the industry. Founded in 1936, NPA
represents over 1,400 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and
distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Visit www.NPAinfo.org.
Follow NPA on social media:
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Facebook: Natural Products Association and The Natural Seal
Twitter: NPA National and NPA Natural Seal
LinkedIn: Natural Products Association, Natural Products Group and Grassroots Action Network
Natural Products Association: 440 1st Street, NW, Ste. 520, Washington, DC, 20001
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