NutraLink - The Nutraceutical Industry Blog

Ensuring Quality: Is Your CMO Able to Back It Up?

Written by Vesta Contract Manufacturing Team | Jul 24, 2024 7:59:37 PM

Partnering with a Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) to bring a product idea from conception to store shelves appears to be a logical choice. Why take the risk of significant capital investment or years of debt to produce a single product that may or may not succeed?

When evaluating a potential partnership with a CMO, it is essential to assess their ability to scale and their commitment to quality, reliability, and safety.
Here's a concise list of common regulatory registrations for Nutritional Supplement manufacturers and their functions. If there are other regulatory bodies you believe are essential, please share them in the comments section below.

  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) ensure that a product meets specified standards of identity, strength, composition, quality, and purity. These requirements can be found in Section 8 of NSF/ANSI 173, the only American National Standard in the dietary supplement industry.
  • NSF International's cGMP certification verifies that a product or organization has been evaluated by a reputable independent certification company, ensuring public health, safety, and environmental quality.
  • The "c" in front of GMP signifies "current," indicating that the facility adheres to best practices even before they become regulations.
  • GMOs are genetically modified organisms created using genetic engineering techniques, raising concerns among scientists, consumers, and environmental groups.
  • The Non-GMO Project offers a third-party verification program for consumers seeking products free of GMO ingredients, giving assurance through their "butterfly" logo.
  • STAR-K certification is a leading Kosher certification recognized globally, providing access to a significant market segment for manufacturers and distributors.
  • FDA registration is crucial for American manufacturers targeting the U.S. market, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

While these questions are crucial, they may not cover every aspect of your assessment. Remember, how they respond is just as significant as their answers. Your potential partner should demonstrate a solid understanding of their operations to earn your trust.

While these are prominent certifications, it is recommended that the CMO you choose follows industry standards and maintains internal quality assurance and control measures.

For further information on contract manufacturing in the Nutraceuticals and Supplement Industries, please contact our team at 888-558-3782 or email 
info@vestanutra.com