More than 79 dietary supplement industry executives representing member companies of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) convened in Washington, D.C. for CRN’s annual Day on the Hill—a cornerstone event that promotes direct dialogue between industry leaders and lawmakers.
Held on June 11, the event featured 69 face-to-face meetings on Capitol Hill, including discussions with key lawmakers from both parties, many of whom play vital roles in shaping the future of nutrition policy in the U.S.
“CRN’s Day on the Hill is a powerful reminder that science-driven policy and strong regulatory frameworks begin with honest, constructive conversations,” said Steve Mister, CRN president and CEO. “We appreciate the many members of Congress and staff who welcomed our members and listened with interest to the issues that matter most to the millions of Americans who rely on dietary supplements for better health.”
Participants advocated for expanded consumer access to dietary supplements through HSA/FSA eligibility, underscored how FDA’s (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) current interpretation of drug preclusion continues to create barriers to innovation and progress, and raised concerns about economic uncertainties due to potential tariffs. In addition, CRN members reiterated their support for FDA oversight through the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP) and discussed the role of industry-led initiatives to bolster transparency and quality assurance.
“CRN’s Day on the Hill was a tremendous success for Kenvue,” said Katie Butler, Head of U.S. Zarbee’s & Dietary Supplements. “It gave us a unique opportunity to connect with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and share how our industry’s products play a vital role in supporting the health and wellness of American families. These conversations are essential to ensuring policymakers understand the value we bring to public health.”
“These meaningful conversations plant seeds to help ensure our policymakers are aware of the critical benefits our products deliver to patients and consumers across the nation,” added Barry Ritz, PhD, vice president and head of U.S. regulatory, scientific & medical affairs at Nestle Health Science. “This kind of outreach enables us to build connections with lawmakers and clearly demonstrate how our industry’s products support the health and wellness of all Americans. It was a phenomenal success for Nestlé Health Science.”
This year’s Day on the Hill followed CRN’s extensive engagement campaign with all 79 freshman congressional offices. That initiative laid the groundwork for effective advocacy by introducing new lawmakers to the supplement industry’s contributions to public health and the economy.
“Our outreach strategy in 2025 has been grounded in proactive education and collaborative advocacy,” said Julia Gustafson, CRN’s vice president of government relations. “The Day on the Hill is where those relationships take root. When policymakers see that our industry is science-based, transparent and committed to responsible innovation, the path forward becomes clearer.”
For more information, visit www.crnusa.org.
