Will different certification programs and seals of approval help consumers select the highest quality supplements or just add to the confusion?
We probably won’t know for a while. In the mean time, here are three players in the field.
- Buys competing items in stores
- Analyzes products to determine if they contain what the label declares, whether there are contaminants, and how they degrade or dissolve
- Offers a seal to companies willing to enter a licensing agreement
- Consumers get limited info for free, and pay a membership fee for greater access
- For profit
NSF and NNFA
- NSF International (originally the National Sanitary Foundation) combined with the National Natural Foods Association (NNFA)
- Evaluates a company’s good manufacturing procedures
- Analyzes products to determine if they contain what the label declares, and whether there are contaminants
- NNFA represents retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids
- Non-profit
USP
- The USP (United States Pharmacopeia) dietary supplements certification program
- Evaluates a company’s good manufacturing procedures
- Conducts company record audits
- Analyzes products to determine if they contain what the label declares, and whether there are contaminants
- Products that pass the test get the USP certification seal
- Subsequent testing assures that products remain in conformity
- Non-profit
Another group called SIDI (Standardized Information on Dietary Ingredients) is profiled here.
11/21/06 22:25 JR