Nov. 20, 2009 – The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) represents the herbal industry on numerous advisory boards, committees and working groups hosted by government; academic institutions; and non-governmental organizations. Through its involvement with these policy-setting and decision-making bodies, AHPA works proactively to assure that industry viewpoints and interests are heard and represented. Recent appointments and re-appointments follow:

AHPA President Michael McGuffin was reappointed to University of Southern California’s Regulatory Science Program Advisory Board. Since 2001, McGuffin has provided an industry perspective on the development of the program’s curriculum. In 2010, the Board’s purview extends to oversight of the school’s new doctorate program in regulatory science. “The Board is an excellent opportunity for exchange between industry and academia,” said McGuffin. “I am honored to be involved.”

AHPA Chief Science Officer Steven Dentali, Ph.D., was reappointed to the AOAC Presidential Task Force on Dietary Supplements. The Task Force was established in 2000 to identify and review analytical methods that currently exist for a number of dietary supplements, as well as to conduct literature reviews of top ingredients. Additionally, this month, Dr. Dentali was appointed to the Product Testing Working Group of the Natural Health Products Program Advisory Committee.

For McGuffin and Dentali’s complete biographies and information on other current and past appointments, please visit the AHPA Web site. Michael McGuffin’s biography is here, and Dr. Steven Dentali’s is available here.