Your Right to Use Supplements is Still At Risk!
Unlike human supplements, present US law does NOT specifically recognize animal
supplements. Just this year, the State of Iowa tried to make it illegal to sell
glucosamine, MSM, and even antioxidants (like vitamin C) to horses. Until this issue
is remedied, your ability to use supplements for your animals will remain in jeopardy.
What is being done?
Two years ago, a group of supplement manufacturers formed a non-profit organization
called the National Animal Supplement Council to address this problem. The NASC
is dedicated to ensuring that supplements continue to be available by working with
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Association of Feed Control
Officers (AAFCO) to create fair, reasonable, responsible regulation that provides
nationwide consistency. SmartPak is a founding member of the NASC and is the only
retailer participating.
What, specifically, is the NASC doing for me?
At present, there are no enforced standards on what a company can claim on its labels,
no standards for manufacturing conditions, and no standard for tracking adverse
events (side effects). Over the last two years, the NASC has outlined a proposal
and taken action to address all of these issues. Ambitious? Yes. But we want what
is best for our customers and for their animals.
The NASC has implemented standards for labeling and manufacturing so that consumers
will know what they are getting for their supplement dollar. NASC members must embrace
the following:
?Accurate labels with complete ingredient listings
?No unsubstantiated claims on labels or in advertisements
?Manufacturing products under rigorous quality standards
?Ensuring the safety of the ingredients by tracking adverse events
How is SmartPak helping?
As a catalog retailer, SmartPak doesn't have direct control over either label claims
or supplement manufacturing conditions. But we do have a talented technology team!
SmartPak has designed and built a sophisticated system used by all members of NASC
to track the safety of supplement ingredients. For the first time ever, the industry
is sharing data with each other and the FDA. By collecting this data we have solid
proof of safety and visibility to any problems. Together, we are hoping to make
sensible decisions based on scientific evidence rather than speculation.
“SmartPak truly sees themselves as advocates for what is best for their customers
?the continued availability of high quality supplements. SmartPak has given generously
of their time and expertise. The Adverse Event Reporting System that SmartPak developed
is unprecedented in the healthcare industry (both human and animal!). This system
has been key to our progress with the FDA.?/i> - Bill Bookout, NASC President, 6/04
What can dog owners do?
NASC was able to intervene in Iowa to avoid a crisis. But your state could be next!
We have made great progress, but there may come a time when animal owners need to
make their voices heard. Please sign up below and we'll let you know what you can
do to help and keep you up to date with messages from our President who serves on
the NASC Board of Directors.
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