Emerson Ecologics Launches Quality Program

BEDFORD, N.H.Emerson Ecologics announced its Emerson Quality Program (EQP) has evaluated a large number of dietary supplement providers, awarding many its quality seal. The quality program, launched in May 2010, was designed by Emerson Ecologics, a distributor of dietary supplements to health care professionals, to help its customers evaluate the quality control practices of companies that supply such products. The EQP is voluntary for manufacturers and there is no cost to participate.

Since we launched the EQP, we have identified some supplement manufacturers who are minimally compliant with federal regulations for the supplement industry, but we have also highlighted and verified those companies that are ahead of the curve and producing exceptionally high quality supplements," said Fran Towey, president of Emerson Ecologics. Health care professionals have difficulties accessing credible information about supplement quality and safety, which is one of the major reasons we launched this program."

To be considered for the EQP, companies must be certified GMP (good manufacturing practice) compliant by a third-party, such as NSF International, USP or the Natural Products Association; the company must also have a raw material supplier qualification program and testing protocols. There are three levels to the program. Certified companies include:

EQP Gold Seal: Douglas Laboratories, Gaia Herbs, Heel, Immune Health Basics, Integrative Therapeutics, Nordic Naturals, Protocol for Life Balance, Pure Encapsulations, Sedona Labs and Vital Nutrients.

EQP Silver Seal: Designs for Health, Ming Tong, Omega Nutrition, Perque, Quincy Bioscience, Tang Long and Wise Woman Herbals.

EQP Partner Seal: Advanced Formula Enzymes, Agape Health Products, Allergy Research Group, BioGenesis Nutraceuticals, DaVinci Laboratories, EcoNugenics, Innate Response, Metabolic Maintenance, Montiff, NESS Enzymes, NewMark, NutraRx, PhysioLogics, Proper Nutrition, Rx Vitamins for Pets and Vitanica.