The Supplement Safety and Compliance Initiative (SSCI) is accepting nominations for the Benchmark Committee, Technical and General Working Groups, according to the Natural Products Association (NPA).

“This pioneering initiative sends a clear message to millions of consumers that they can have confidence in the safety of dietary supplements they use each and every day,” said Dan Fabricant, PhD, CEO and executive director of NPA. “NPA and SSCI are seeking out experts who will help us achieve the goals of promoting safety, compliance and consumer confidence in each step of the supply chain from farm to store shelf.”

Benchmark Committee
Purpose is to ensure an application scheme's supplement safety system, standards and supporting procedures are objectively compared to the requirements laid down in the SSCI Guidance document in accordance with the procedures as defined in the SSCI Guidance document. The Benchmark Committee will submit recommendations to the Board for recognition or non-recognition of a scheme by SSCI. Requirements include:

• Degree in a food or nutrition or related bioscience discipline
• Detailed knowledge of SSCI Guidance document once draft guidance becomes finalized
• Detailed knowledge of supplement safety management systems, applicable procedures or other management systems and documents used as audit criteria
• Detailed knowledge of audit principles, procedures and techniques in relation to supplement safety & compliance auditing
• Knowledge of accreditation and certification processes and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable legislative and regulatory requirements

Technical Working Groups
SSCI Technical Working Groups are composed of technical experts from retailers, manufacturers, food service operators, service providers, standard owners, certification bodies, accreditation bodies, and industry associations.

Current Technical Working Groups Being Formed:

• SSCI Guidance document maintenance
• Auditor competence
• Raw material cultivation/production (Authenticity & Traceability)
• Strategic Project (Regulatory Affairs)
• More to be added

General Working Groups
Current General Working Groups Being Formed (Charter):

• Communications/Media
• Implementation of SSCI priorities/goals (education, outreach, etc.)
• Ensuring that the set requirements and standards are being met at a local level
• More to be added