AHPA Publishes White Paper on Heavy Metals

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) published its newest white paper, “Heavy metal analysis and interim recommended limits for botanical dietary supplements”, which provides the industry with information critical to successful compliance with cGMP (current good manufacturing practice).

AHPA’s white paper presents the association’s proposed interim limits for lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, which were announced in October 2008, with accompanying explanations as to how these limits were determined. Additionally, the document addresses:

Regulations concerning lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic in products sold in the U.S.

Daily limits set for these chemicals by U.S. and international regulatory agencies

Available analytical methods for measuring heavy metals

Guidance on how to determine which analytical methods are most suitable for dietary supplements

Selecting a contract lab that can properly conduct heavy metal testing

The white paper is available at AHPA’s online bookstore and will also be provided free to registrants of AHPA’s upcoming webinar, “Setting and Meeting Specifications for Contaminants in Finished Products Under cGMP”, scheduled for Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. EST. The webinar will expand upon the information in the white paper and also address California’s Proposition 65, certificates of analysis, liability concerns and additional contaminants including mycotoxins and pesticides.

www.AHPA.org