Reverse Dietary Supplement NAC Ban: Petition

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The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has petitioned FDA to reverse its recent position that the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits manufacturers from marketing products containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) as dietary supplements. “The policy, which represents a sudden and drastic departure from past agency practice, is legally invalid,” the 6/1 petition says. “FDA should revert to its longstanding policy of allowing manufacturers to market products containing NAC as dietary supplements.”

The petition says CRN has discussed NAC with the agency since 2020 and has met with various officials, including acting commissioner Janet Woodcock. It says FDA has indicated that it is considering CRN’s position but has given no firm timeline for a response. CRN says it has stressed the need for a quick resolution given marketplace reliance on FDA public statements.

“While FDA reviews the legality of its policy reversal,” the petition says, “NAC supplement manufacturers are experiencing significant negative economic impacts.” CRN says formal action is needed through the citizen petition process to put a 180-day deadline on the agency response or face potential court action.

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