USA
CBD firms hit with class action suits over ingredient’s uncertain regulatory status
High profile hemp-derived CBD brands Charlotte’s Web and CV Sciences were among the targets of proposed class action lawsuits filed last week alleging they marketed and sold illegal CBD supplements (because FDA has stated that CBD may not be marketed as a dietary ingredient for use in dietary supplements).
Charlotte’s Web, which is based in Boulder, CO, says it believes it is complying with the law as it sees it.
“The Company believes that its products are accurately labeled and that the claims are without merit. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against any such suits,” the company said in a statement.
Attorney Kevin Bell, who is a partner in the firm Arnall Golden Gregory, told NutraIngredients-USA that he expects more class action lawsuits to be filed, particularly in the wake of FDA issuing 15 warning letters recently.
“Every CBD company currently marketing a product faces some level of risk,” said Bell. “That risk rises exponentially if they are doing such thing as making disease claims, to which the FDA is certainly paying attention,” he said.
“Neither suit [Charlotte’s Web or CV Sciences] presents a safety issue as the primary reason for a claim. Both suits are based on economic loss. I don’t think many of us who practice in this industry are surprised by these complaints,” added Bell.
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Europe
BASF and Ideogen launch omega-3 solution for NAFLD
A new solution for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) based on omega-3 fatty acids has been launched in Europe by BASF Nutrition & Health and Ideogen.
The food, named Hepacor, contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to address the fat build-up in the liver.
The product will be launched first in Switzerland.
Hepacor’s introduction is “a major milestone in BASF’s plans to commercialize a dedicated solution for NAFLD management globally”, said Christoph Garbotz, head of commercial management, advanced health solutions at BASF.
“Increasing the levels of EPA and DHA can help to reduce the fat burden in the liver by improving the liver’s ability to process excessive pre-existing fat and at the same time inhibit the creation of new fat from dietary carbohydrates,” said BASF.
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Asia
Australia’s Arborvitae expands brick-and-mortar presence
Australian supplement firm Arborvitae is expanding its brick-and-mortar presence in the country with a listing deal for 3,400 pharmacies.
The company, which started off as an online health brand, sealed a deal with Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) for its bestselling joint health and blood glucose and cholesterol regulating liquid supplements.
This follows previous deals for Arborvitae with health foods retailers such as GoVital and more recently, with pharmacy chain Blooms the Chemist in July.
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