Washington, D.C. — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, today expressed its sincere appreciation to a coalition of respected organizations that have filed amicus curiae briefs in support of CRN’s writ of certiorari petition before the United States Supreme Court.
These organizations—including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance Foundation, the Manhattan Institute, and the Pacific Legal Foundation—have joined in urging the Court to review CRN’s challenge to a New York law that restricts the sale of dietary supplements to minors based solely on what is said about a product rather than product safety.
CRN’s petition asks the Supreme Court to reaffirm longstanding First Amendment protections for truthful, non-misleading commercial speech and to resolve a split among federal appellate courts regarding the standards required to justify such restrictions.
“We are deeply grateful to these organizations for standing with us at this critical moment,” said Steve Mister, President & CEO of CRN. “Their support makes clear that the concerns raised by this case extend well beyond our industry. At stake is a fundamental First Amendment principle: the government cannot restrict truthful, non-misleading speech without strong evidence and careful justification.”
The amicus briefs underscore the broader constitutional and policy implications of the New York law, which regulates products based on how they are labeled or marketed—rather than any demonstrated risk associated with the products themselves. As CRN has argued, this approach departs from evidence-based policymaking and risks setting a dangerous precedent for regulating speech across industries.
“This case is about far more than dietary supplements,” Mister continued. “If governments can use speech as a proxy for harm without evidence, it creates a roadmap for restricting truthful communication in virtually any sector. We appreciate these organizations for recognizing those risks and lending their voices in defense of sound policy and constitutional protections.”
CRN’s legal challenge stems from New York General Business Law § 391-oo, which prohibits the sale of certain dietary supplements to individuals under 18 if those products are marketed for weight loss or muscle building—regardless of their safety profile.
“The First Amendment requires more than speculation when a legislature wants to restrict protected speech,” Mister added. “We are encouraged to have such strong support as we ask the Supreme Court to reaffirm that principle and ensure that lawful products are not regulated based solely on how they are described.”
CRN will continue to advocate for science-based policy and strong constitutional protections as the Supreme Court considers whether to take up the case.
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About CRN
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Bringing together manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and service providers, CRN unites its member companies around a shared commitment to science, transparency, and responsible business practices—advancing a strong, credible marketplace that supports consumer health and industry growth.
In an increasingly complex regulatory and media environment, CRN serves as the industry’s front line—shaping science-based policy, defending market access, and countering misinformation. Through strategic advocacy, self-regulatory leadership, voluntary guidelines, and evidence-based communications, CRN ensures that responsible companies are recognized, protected, and positioned to innovate and compete. Learn more at crnusa.org and follow @CRN_Supplements on X and LinkedIn.
