On Feb. 17, 2025, longtime American Natural Merchandise Affiliation (AHPA) President Michael McGuffin died at age 74.
In line with a memorial posted on the AHPA web site, for 25 years, McGuffin served because the affiliation’s president, forsaking an indelible mark on the pure merchandise trade by means of his steadfast advocacy for cheap rules and proactive self-governance. Past his skilled contributions, he was a trusted mentor, a cherished good friend and a pillar of the natural group.
McGuffin served as AHPA president since 1999 and led the affiliation by means of a interval of exceptional progress in membership and been a driving pressure behind AHPA’s file of trailblazing advocacy on behalf of its members and the broader natural product and dietary complement industries. Below his management, AHPA secured vital legislative victories—together with the enactment of the Dietary Complement and Nonprescription Drug Shopper Safety Act, a critical hostile occasion reporting legislation for dietary dietary supplements—and produced invaluable trade assets, such because the Botanical Security Handbook (2nd version), Herbs of Commerce (2nd and threerd editions) and quite a few steering insurance policies and paperwork.
He was a number one professional on dietary complement regulation who regularly spoke on dietary complement rules in america and overseas. He was printed in quite a few scholarly and scientific journals and made appearances in varied information publications reminiscent of The New York Occasions, The Washington Put up, U.S. Information & World Report, and Newsweek.
He additionally held positions at different organizations, such because the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA), California Workplace of Environmental Well being Hazard Evaluation, the College of Southern California (USC) College of Pharmacy, the American Natural Pharmacopeia, the American Affiliation of Acupuncture and Oriental Drugs, and United Plant Savers.
In a press release, AHPA mentioned it would deeply miss McGuffin’s humor, encyclopedic data of natural merchandise, his smart counsel and his professional tomato-growing abilities. The affiliation mourns his passing, but additionally celebrates his exceptional legacy, which is able to proceed to form each AHPA and the trade to come back.
In January 2025, McGuffin stepped down a AHPA president and introduced his plans to transition to a senior advisory function following the appointment of his successor. AHPA’s Director of Program Growth Jane Wilson grew to become the interim govt director on Feb. 14. The affiliation continues its seek for its subsequent president.
“Michael’s management and fervour had been unparalleled, and his impression on AHPA and the natural group can’t be overstated. Whereas we grieve this great loss, AHPA stays totally dedicated to serving our members and carrying ahead the imaginative and prescient and values that Michael championed,” Wilson mentioned.
Particulars on plans to have fun McGuffin’s life and contributions to the natural trade shall be shared within the coming days, in keeping with the affiliation.
