With so many supplements flooding the market, it’s easy to feel lost in the shuffle. That’s why understanding the different nutraceutical manufacturing certifications that are available is so important.
Not only will it help you make more informed decisions about the products you choose to sell, but it will also help you earn the trust and respect of your customers.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s time to dig into the nitty-gritty of nutraceutical manufacturing certifications so you can take your supplement game to the next level.
cGMP
cGMP stands for Current Good Manufacturing Practice. This certification is a stricter and more specialized version of GMP, focusing on continuous improvement and the utilization of up-to-date standards and technologies to ensure the highest level of quality in supplement production.
What’s The Difference Between cGMP And GMP?
While GMP is a general set of principles to help manufacturers develop processes for ensuring quality, cGMP is a specific certification that requires manufacturers to be constantly improving and utilizing the latest technologies. Think of it like this: GMP is the basic foundation, but cGMP is the skyscraper built upon that foundation.
But Why Is cGMP So Important For Supplements?
For starters, supplements are products that people consume to improve their health, so it’s absolutely essential that they be pure, safe, and effective. cGMP regulations also make sure that manufacturers are taking all the necessary measures to prevent errors, accidental swaps, and contamination. This means that supplements produced under cGMP standards are less likely to have any harmful side effects or be ineffective.
Having a cGMP certification is not only good for the safety and effectiveness of the supplements, but it’s also good for business. Manufacturers who comply with cGMP regulations are more likely to build a positive reputation and trust with consumers. On the other hand, non-compliance can result in severe consequences, including legal actions and recalls.
FDA
The FDA, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is a federal agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating food, drugs, and other products. In supplement manufacturing the facilities that produce the supplement must be registered with the FDA.
Dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to be sold so the products themselves will not be FDA approved when the brands go to sell their products.
A facility cannot legally manufacture dietary supplements until they are registered with the FDA. There is no fee to register your facility with the FDA. You are required to renew your registration biannually.
Brand owners often use badges on their product’s labels saying it was made in a FDA-certified facility. However, for a manufacturer, it is a key certification that can be displayed on their website to show potential clients that they operate their facility properly.
NSF
NSF stands for National Sanitation Foundation, a non-profit organization that’s been around since 1944. Their main goal is to develop standards for sanitation and safety, ultimately improving public health. When a supplement manufacturing facility has received NSF certification, it means that the manufacturer has passed an on-site inspection by a NSF auditor to assure the facility follows the proper guidelines for cleanliness and food safety.
NSF takes testing seriously and makes sure products aren’t prone to harmful chemical contamination. This is huge for supplements – no one wants to be consuming something that’s potentially harmful or unsafe.
It’s also important to note that NSF is an independent agency – they’re not politically motivated and they set their own standards. The creation of NSF standards involves countless health departments, industry leaders, and others, all of whom form the NSF’s joint committee. So, you know that the standards are coming from knowledgeable individuals who genuinely care about public health.
NSF has laboratories around the world that must also receive accreditation for testing (and this process is rigorous). Their thorough testing process and standards are consistent across the board, giving the public confidence when purchasing NSF-tested products.
Eurofins
Eurofins is a third-party certification that makes sure your supplements are safe, high-quality, and effective. Eurofins is a global leader in laboratory testing and scientific research, and their certification is recognized throughout the industry as a mark of excellence.
A Eurofins certification may help you to build trust with your customers. Having the Eurofins certification shows that you’re committed to transparency, safety, and efficacy – all things consumers look for when they shop for supplements.
RIBUS
The RIBUS program recognizes and supports contract manufacturers who can produce capsules and tablets using functional rice-derived alternatives to ingredients like silicon dioxide and Mg stearate.
With RIBUS alternatives like Nu-FLOW, Nu-RICE, Nu-MAG, and Nu-BIND, your customers will know they are getting only the best ingredients.
Having the RIBUS certification on your product gives you an edge over your competitors. It shows that you care about your customers’ health and nutrition, and you go the extra mile to ensure that your products are of the highest quality.
NPA
This is the coveted stamp of approval given by the Natural Products Association to manufacturers and retailers who meet their strict guidelines for quality and safety in the natural products industry. This includes everything from organic and healthy foods to dietary supplements and natural ingredient cosmetics.
Why Is NPA Certification So Important For Supplements?
Good question! To be frank, numerous supplement manufacturing facilities do not meet many of the requirements of various certifications. This has led to many different product recalls over the years.
That’s where NPA certification comes in – it ensures that the products you purchase (or the ones you’re selling, in this case) have been thoroughly vetted and are up to the highest industry standards.
In fact, the NPA’s certification program is so rigorous that only a minority of supplement manufacturers are able to meet their standards and earn the coveted seal of approval.
Thomas Verified Supplier
This badge is only given to companies that have undergone a review and validation process, ensuring that they operate within North America and provide accurate business information on the Thomasnet.com supplier discovery platform.
These suppliers, like SMP Nutra, are also open to quoting new opportunities, making them a great choice to work with for all your supplement needs.
ThomasNet verification does not ensure safety and quality standards of a facility. But it can be a testament to their dedication to their craft, striving to help those interested in their services and deliver quality products.
Why Manufacturing Certifications Are So Important For The Nutraceutical Industry
Understanding the various nutraceutical manufacturing certifications is essential for anyone selling supplements. These certifications serve as a benchmark of quality and safety for both the manufacturer and the consumer.
By obtaining one or all of these certifications, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to producing high-quality supplements that are safe for consumption. It guarantees that they’re following the strict guidelines laid out by the regulatory bodies to protect the public from harmful products.
Work With SMP Nutra For Your Supplement Needs
At SMP Nutra, we pride ourselves on being a full turn-key supplement manufacturing facility where you can create your supplements with ease.
Our state-of-the-art, 277,000 square-foot GMP-registered and FDA-registered facility is capable of manufacturing all types of supplements, including tablets, capsules, soft gels, and gummies.
So, whether you’re starting out with a new idea or looking to expand your product line, we provide everything you need to take your supplements to the next level.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you bring your supplement ideas to life.