NSF, NFL Announce Supplement Certification Program 40326

NSF, NFL Announce Supplement Certification Program

ANN ARBOR, Mich.NSF International (www.nsf.org)will oversee a new program announced by the National Football League (NFL) andNFL Players Association (NFLPA) designed to certify dietary supplements for useby NFL players.

The Official NFL/NFLPA Supplement Certification Program is designed to ensureplayers do not consume banned substances in sports nutrition products. On themanufacturing side, NSF will oversee label compliance and GMP (goodmanufacturing practice) standards. NSF developed the program at the request ofthe NFL organizations; the program includes formula evaluation, GMP inspection,clinical testing for metabolites and review of chain-ofcustody procedures.

If players take these products, this is a way for us to guarantee thatwhat they take is what is on the label, Gene Upshaw, executive director ofNFLPA, said during a Jan. 29 press conference announcing the new program.However, Upshaw added, Were not encouraging supplements. Were notsaying they work.

During the press conference, held in Houston, NSFs president, KevanLawlor, said the program will help ensure label accuracy and may attract othersports groups. We have not been contacted by any, but we expect otherorganizations would want to get involved, he said.