WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition has added four member companies, expanding its roster with expertise in biotechnology, ingredient sourcing, product authentication and legal services.
Helaina and Pharmore joined the dietary supplement and functional food trade association as voting members. Law firm Barack Ferrazzano and supply-chain authentication company Natural Trace joined as associate members.
“Companies join CRN because they want to be well informed, connected to like-minded, best-in-class contacts in our community, and engaged in the issues that matter most to them and to the future of the industry,” said Steve Mister, CRN’s president and chief executive officer.
Helaina develops bioactive proteins through precision fermentation. Its flagship ingredient, effera, is human lactoferrin designed to match the structure of the protein found in human milk. The biotechnology company works with dietary supplement and functional nutrition brands to incorporate the ingredient into consumer products.
Pharmore has supplied dietary supplement and food ingredients for human and animal nutrition since 2001. It works with manufacturers worldwide and maintains supplier-audit, ingredient-testing and documentation programs. The company also serves as an importer of record under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program and reports no product recalls during its 25 years in business.
Barack Ferrazzano, founded in 1984, is headquartered in Chicago and has an additional office in Wayzata, Minn. The firm has more than 120 attorneys across 11 practice groups, advising clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Its services include corporate and securities matters, intellectual property, litigation, employment, real estate and tax planning.
Natural Trace provides authentication technology for food, beverage and dietary supplement companies. Its NaturalTag food-grade tag can be added to ingredients or finished products and tested later to confirm product identity. The technology is intended to help companies monitor supply chains, protect branded ingredients and verify products in the marketplace.
Mister said membership provides access to CRN’s regulatory, legislative, scientific and communications expertise, as well as opportunities to participate in committees, working groups and advocacy initiatives.
“That engagement strengthens members’ individual businesses while advancing the industry,” he said.
Founded in 1973 and based in Washington, CRN represents finished-product marketers, ingredient suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. Member companies agree to adhere to its code of ethics and comply with voluntary recommendations.
