The three US states – Colorado, Massachusetts and Nevada – that have ordered the closure of health food stores during the Covid-19 crisis have been accused by the Natural Products Association of mounting an “assault on small businesses”.
Over a period of a few days in April, the three states have ordered the closure of most businesses for an indefinite period, except for supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants offering carryout or delivery, medical equipment stores banks, and alcohol retailers. Unlike the rest of the country, the Colorado, Massachusetts and Nevada have decided health food stores do not fall into the ‘essential business’ category.
“Governor Polis’s decision is inconsistent with the federal government and other states and amounts to an assault on small businesses. We hope that is not the Governor’s intention since he chaired the Dietary Supplement Caucus during his congressional days, so it’s unclear as to why his latest order singled out such businesses as non-essential, he understands we’re regulated as foods” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA.
The NPA points to that federal guidance (in the form of Department of Homeland security notes on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers specifically identifies manufacturers of dietary supplements and “workers supporting groceries, pharmacies, convenience stores, and other retail…that sells human food, animal/pet food and pet supply, and beverage products, including retail customer support service and information technology support staff necessary for online orders, pickup and delivery”.
The NPA last week announced a grassroots campaign aimed at pressuring Colorado to reverse its decision