NSF Offers Supplement Certification Program

NSF Offers Supplement Certification Program

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--As of Feb. 12, NSF International implemented a new Dietary Supplements Certification Program, an independent, third-party product evaluation service. The program focuses on testing products for active ingredients, marker compounds and potential contamination. NSF's program includes not only product testing, but also independent plant inspection and ongoing product surveillance.

Costs to manufacturers and suppliers participating in the certification include facility audits and product listings.

Products that are NSF-certified will receive a certification mark that will appear on labels. Also, all certified products will be listed on NSF's Web site, which will be free and easily accessible to consumers.

According to NSF, members of the dietary supplement industry approached them a few years ago stating that there was a need for this type of service, which ultimately led to meetings with industry organizations such as the Council for Responsible Nutrition and the American Herbal Products Association. NSF added that this service would be a good adjunct to present GMP-certification programs.

NSF already tests and certifies more than 130,000 products, including the safety of food and water. For additional information, visit www.nsf.org  or contact Kathleen Pompliano, NSF's business development manager, at (800) NSF-MARK.