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If you've ever been frustrated after seeing prohibited products or improper claims on the Expo East show floor, here's your opportunity to report the violations.

Shelley Sapsin, standards specialist

September 9, 2019

2 Min Read
natural products expo report standards violations via mobile device

For the first time, Natural Products Expo East visitors and exhibitors can help the New Hope standards team keep the show floor clean.

As they do every year, members of the standards team will be on-site to review products, labeling and literature. However, a new compliance notification feature on the Expo East 2019 app also allows exhibitors and attendees to report violations via mobile devices. the Expo East 2019 app allows exhibitors and attendees to report standards violations

Involving exhibitors and attendees will help standards achieve two of its primary responsibilities: supporting industry self-regulation and maintaining a fair and level playing field on the show floor. Sources of complaints will remain anonymous.

With the app, reporting a violation is simple:

  1. Download the Expo East 2019 app (available for Android and iOS).

  2. Select the compliance tile on the home screen.

  3. Add the name of the company in violation.

  4. Add the booth number of the company in violation.

  5. Indicate whether you are reporting a prohibited ingredient or a prohibited claim.

  6. Take and upload a photo of the prohibited product or non-compliant claim. (Photos are encouraged.)

  7. Add a brief comment, if helpful.

Please use this tool in a professional and respectful manner.

The most egregious violations of Expo Exhibitor Standards include:  

  • Exhibiting prohibited products (such as vapes, unregistered devices, cannabinoid products with greater than 0.3% THC, and foods with artificial flavors, sweeteners and colors in foods)

  • Claiming that foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease.

  • Claiming cosmetics do more than cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness or alter appearance.

Related:10 reasons standards specialists will disrupt your Expo exhibit

If you have questions about Expo Exhibitor standards generally or want to know before you exhibit whether your product labeling and marketing meet our standards, contact the Standards Department at [email protected].

About the Author(s)

Shelley Sapsin

standards specialist, New Hope Network

I provide regulatory and compliance expertise to businesses specializing in nutrition, health and personal care, and help develop and implement policy to create a transparent, principled, and level playing field on our exhibition floors.

I show exhibitors how to minimize risk and maximize competitive advantage as they introduce products into the marketplace, and formulate ways to deliver insight to provide ever-increasing value to our customers.

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