Michael McGuffin, who led the American Herbal Products Association for 25 years, has passed away

Image courtesy of AHPA

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA; Silver Spring, MD) announced today that Michael McGuffin passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025. McGuffin served as AHPA’s president for 25 years before it was announced at the beginning of January that he would be transitioning into a new role as senior advisor following the appointment of his successor. Under McGuffin’s leadership, AHPA secured significant legislative victories, including the enactment of the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act, a serious adverse event reporting law for dietary supplements, and the association has also produced a wealth of invaluable industry resources, such as the Botanical Safety Handbook (2nd edition), Herbs of Commerce (2nd and 3rd editions), as well as guidance policies and documents.

Additionally, McGuffin has served as a member of FDA’s Food Advisory Committee Working Group on Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements, FDA’s Food Advisory Committee’s Dietary Supplements Subcommittee, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Analysis Food Warning Workgroup, and the advisory board of the USC School of Pharmacy Regulatory Science master’s degree program. He also held positions on the boards of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and United Plant Savers.

“Michael’s leadership and passion were unparalleled, and his impact on AHPA and the herbal community cannot be overstated,” said Jane Wilson, interim executive director of AHPA, in a statement. “While we grieve this tremendous loss, AHPA remains fully committed to serving our members and carrying forward the vision and values that Michael championed.”

McGuffin will be remembered fondly by industry as a friend, colleague, and advocate.

“Michael was instrumental in advancing the goals and vision of the American Herbal Products Association,” said the Natural Products Association (NPA; Washington, D.C.), in a statement. “Since 1999, Michael has served as President demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership throughout his tenure. During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the team at the American Herbal Products Associations and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

"For more than two decades, Michael served as the president of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), where he was a tireless champion for consumer access, industry best practices, and broader appreciation for the role of botanicals in better health," wrote the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN; Washington, D.C.). "Under his leadership, AHPA played a crucial role in shaping federal and state policies affecting herbal supplements, ensuring the industry’s voice was heard in regulatory discussions.

"Michael was not only a leader but also a hands-on, detail-oriented advocate who immersed himself in the intricacies of regulatory language, botanical science, and industry challenges. His deep expertise and meticulous approach helped set standards that strengthened the credibility and trustworthiness of the herbal products industry. Whether dissecting policy nuances or guiding his members on compliance, Michael’s thoughtful and precise insights were invaluable. His passion for herbal medicine and dedication to the industry leave an enduring legacy.

"CRN extends our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, friends, and colleagues. His leadership, wisdom, and presence will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on in the vibrant industry he helped shape."

McGuffin served on Nutritional Outlook’s editorial advisory board and was recognized as Industry Leader as part of the 2019 Best of the Industry Awards. For a more comprehensive look at his history and accomplishments, we encourage you to read that article. We’re grateful for his generosity of time and keen insights. The team at Nutritional Outlook extends his deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.