• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Health Products Association - China Executive Director Reflects on Market Dynamics, Challenges

    Blood Sugar Management: Personalized Testing Drives Home The Need for Early Intervention

    New and Evolving Formulation Options Must Be Mindful of Blood Sugar Maintenance

    Tapping Functional Beverages to Meet Modern Wellness Needs

    Adaptogens: Where Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Wellness Products
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    CRN Announces New Staff Appointments

    Food Supplements Europe: Most Consumers Use Dietary Supplements Safely

    True Westfjords Launches Dropi Cod Liver Oil Tonic

    Alkemist Labs Warns About Missing Components to Pesticide Testing

    Boswellia and Bengal Quince Fruit Extract Blend Linked to Respiratory Benefits
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    True Westfjords Launches Dropi Cod Liver Oil Tonic

    Alkemist Labs Warns About Missing Components to Pesticide Testing

    Boswellia and Bengal Quince Fruit Extract Blend Linked to Respiratory Benefits

    Largest Cannabinoids Trial to Date Yields Positive Findings on Pain Management

    Kensing Acquires Vitae Naturals
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    CRN Announces New Staff Appointments

    Food Supplements Europe: Most Consumers Use Dietary Supplements Safely

    True Westfjords Launches Dropi Cod Liver Oil Tonic

    ODSP Director Cara Welch Discusses Agency Priorities

    Alkemist Labs Warns About Missing Components to Pesticide Testing
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Boswellia and Bengal Quince Fruit Extract Blend Linked to Respiratory Benefits

    Younger Consumers Drive Growing Demand for Ingestible Beauty and Skin Care Products

    Lynside® Forte B offers full range of B-vitamin benefits with nutritional yeast

    CoQ10 and Royal Jelly Supplementation May Improve High Intensity Exercise

    Shiitake Mushroom Extract Appears Helpful in HPV Infections
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Nutrition21, LLC

    KLK OLEO

    Verdure Sciences

    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Sabinsa Corporation
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Nutrition21, LLC

    KLK OLEO

    Verdure Sciences

    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Sabinsa Corporation
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    GNC Reaches Agreement with New York Attorney General

    Retailer will expand testing processes and integrate traceability standards, including DNA barcoding prior to extraction.

    Related CONTENT
    • Prinova
    • Pharmavite Expands in Ohio with $200 Million Investment
    • Nestlé Health Science Expands in New Zealand with Deal to Buy The Better Health Company
    • Younger Consumers Drive Growing Demand for Ingestible Beauty and Skin Care Products
    • NOW Identifies Misleading Certificate of Analysis for Supplements Sold on Amazon
    05.01.15
    After results from third-party testing confirmed its herbal supplement products are safe, pure, properly labeled and in full compliance with regulatory requirements, GNC Holdings, Pittsburgh, PA, reached an agreement with New York Attorney General (NY AG) Eric Schneiderman’s office in late March whereby the retailer will begin utilizing DNA barcode testing within 18 months to confirm the authenticity of all plants used as sources for its herbal dietary supplements prior to processing.

    Internal and independent third-party tests demonstrated that the company’s products contain all herbal extracts listed on their respective labels. In addition, a former senior FDA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) expert performed a comprehensive review of GNC’s manufacturing processes for the products at issue and found them to be in compliance with all applicable requirements. Accordingly, GNC has restored its full assortment of Herbal Plus products to all GNC stores in New York State.

    GNC said it will expand its testing processes deeper into its supply chain by leading ongoing industry efforts to integrate source material traceability standards including DNA barcoding where appropriate (prior to extraction processes) and enhance other aspects of its operations to provide consumers greater confidence in its products. The company said it believes these measures will result in the adoption of stricter minimum standards across the broader industry.

    “As our testing demonstrated, and this agreement affirms beyond any doubt, our products are not only safe and pure but are in full compliance with all regulatory requirements,” said Michael G. Archbold, CEO of GNC. “A robust testing regime, careful sourcing regimen and detailed manufacturing specifications have always been core elements to ensuring that we provide our customers with high quality products. Our customers trust and value our products, and we are steadfastly committed to maintaining that trust and confidence. As an industry leader we have always gone above and beyond the minimum requirements in pursuing quality for our consumers, and we will continue to lead the efforts for higher standards. This is good for consumers, good for the industry, and good for GNC.”

    GNC has preserved the specific product lots of the five products that were the subject of this inquiry for use in defending the company against lawsuits that have been filed subsequent to the NY AG’s Feb. 2 cease-and-desist letter, despite the fact that there is no prohibition against the sale of such products. The company said it believes these lawsuits are completely without merit and will defend itself aggressively. Identical products to those that have been preserved remain available for sale to consumers at GNC stores in New York State.

    What’s in the Agreement?
    According to the NY AG office, in addition to authentication of plant source materials, the agreement includes the following measures:

    Broad Testing For Contaminants: GNC will implement a sweeping, randomized testing protocol for the eight most common allergens—defined by FDA as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. This will include testing certain raw ingredients for contamination and, after production, ensuring that those allergens are not present in products. To do this, GNC will not only require its suppliers to implement this testing protocol, but will also perform testing itself on finished products, using scientifically validated methods. In addition, GNC will conduct testing to confirm any affirmative representations on its labels that particular ingredients are absent from certain products (e.g., “No sugar.”)   

    Consumer Transparency: GNC will prominently display signs in stores across the country and include language on its website indicating whether a supplement product is derived from whole herbs or extracts and explaining the difference between those two processes. In particular, these signs will highlight that extracts are chemicals derived from plants after applying solvents, like liquid carbon dioxide. GNC will list all ingredients used in its products on its labels, per existing FDA rules.  

    Reporting: GNC will provide semiannual reports to the AG’s office, detailing all plant species sourced after authentication using DNA barcoding; the name and address of all facilities in which DNA barcode authentication was performed; a list of materials rejected as a consequence of the results of the barcoding and the results of the randomized testing for common allergens. GNC will provide additional documentation and information necessary for the AG’s office to verify compliance with this agreement without the necessity for a subpoena.  

    GNC’s Reasoning
    Many have questioned what GNC’s agreement means for the broader industry, and why the company committed to more extensive testing after it was determined its products were safe and compliant with regulatory requirements.

    GNC’s Mr. Archbold issued a letter to industry defending the company’s actions. In that correspondence, he said the following language was critical to reaching an agreement: “NYAG found no evidence in the course of its investigation that GNC deviated from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) rules.”

    In addition, he said “going above and beyond” cGMPs would reassure confidence among supplement users.

    While DNA barcoding of finished extract product was not an appropriate test, he said the method may play a role in identifying source materials earlier in the production process. This added step, he said, will not change GNC’s products, but rather provide greater assurance to customers.

    He added that random allergen testing not only assures the integrity of the supply chain, but also acts as additional validation of existing quality systems. Lastly, Mr. Archbold stressed that GNC and the NY AG “disagree on the sufficiency of federal rules and testing requirements and their relationship to state consumer protection laws.” Nonetheless, he said the company has chosen to work with the NY AG to continue to assure the highest quality products for consumers.

    Mr. Archbold concluded the letter suggesting the industry should not fear more rigorous testing methods, but rather embrace them to ensure consumer trust.

    Reactions & Implications
    Steve Mister, president and CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), acknowledged the difficult position the NY AG investigation has put retailers in, as they face consumer confidence concerns and class-action lawsuits. However, he cautioned the industry against settling and making promises to the AG based on a flawed study that hasn’t been released publicly—and probably never will be.

    The announcement “substitutes reasoned judgment of scientists and federal experts with a politically-motivated mandate that does not advance the conversation around the quality of dietary supplements,” he said.

    DNA barcode testing is an emerging analytical method, according to Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC). However, it is only one tool in a toolbox. One notable limitation of DNA barcode testing, for example, is that it won’t identify the plant part (i.e., root, stem, leaf, etc.)
    “One of my main concerns is that science is being misapplied,” he said, adding that it would be extremely unfortunate if the NY AG’s misinformation and misuse of technology ultimately caused consumers to abandon legitimate health products.

    While adulteration is still an issue for botanicals, Mr. Blumenthal has been spearheading an international program whose mission relates to education, scientific research, and quality of botanical dietary ingredients and related plant-derived materials. The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program is a consortium of independent non-profit organizations: the American Botanical Council, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) and the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at the University of Mississippi.

    AGs Appeal to Congress
    Meanwhile, 14 state attorneys general sent a letter to Congress on April 2 urging leadership to investigate the supplement industry and to consider “a more robust oversight role” for FDA. The letter claimed the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements is a matter of “deep public concern across the country,” and stated: “The FDA has long been aware of problems in the dietary and herbal supplement supply chain, from dubious ingredient sourcing to a failure to carry out proper testing on finished products.”

    The coalition’s letter requested that Congress act in concert with FDA to explore and address the following:

    1. The adequacy and effectiveness of existing quality assurance measures for verifying the source, identity, purity, potency, and quality of ingredients and fillers;  
    2. The adequacy and effectiveness of existing regimes for verifying the identity, composition, purity, potency, and quality of the finished products sold by domestic manufacturers and retailers;   
    3. The degree to which product labels and marketing, including use of the terms “natural,” “herbal,” and “extract,” mislead consumers about the contents of herbal and dietary supplements and whether the FDA should develop standards and restrictions governing their use;   
    4. The extent to which Congress should mandate, or direct FDA to develop, enhanced, uniform, industry-wide quality assurance and verification regimes to guarantee the source, identity, purity, and potency of materials incorporated into herbal and dietary supplements; and,   
    5. The extent to which Congress should mandate, or direct, FDA to develop enhanced manufacturing and supply chain management requirements for the industry to guarantee the safety and efficacy of the finished herbal and dietary supplements.

    CRN’s Mr. Mister said it was noteworthy that only 15 AGs had signed the letter, as it was certainly presented to all 53. CRN has been actively meeting with state AGs to discuss the matters at hand. “We are gratified that the concerns go away once we’re given the opportunity to fully explain the issue,” he said. Additionally, the letter was addressed to the Senate Commerce committee, as opposed to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.

    Still, in light of fallout from all the negative attention, Mr. Mister said, “This is a wake up call for industry. This is a paradigm-changing moment as far as how consumers view the industry.”

    Mr. Blumenthal said this moment might serve as an opportunity for the herbal products industry to reexamine its supply chain and its commitment to consumers.
    Related Searches
    • Testing
    • Extracts
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Extraction
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Testing
    • Regulations
    Suggested For You
    Prinova Prinova
    Pharmavite Expands in Ohio with $200 Million Investment Pharmavite Expands in Ohio with $200 Million Investment
    Nestlé Health Science Expands in New Zealand with Deal to Buy The Better Health Company Nestlé Health Science Expands in New Zealand with Deal to Buy The Better Health Company
    Younger Consumers Drive Growing Demand for Ingestible Beauty and Skin Care Products Younger Consumers Drive Growing Demand for Ingestible Beauty and Skin Care Products
    NOW Identifies Misleading Certificate of Analysis for Supplements Sold on Amazon NOW Identifies Misleading Certificate of Analysis for Supplements Sold on Amazon
    Kensing Acquires Vitae Naturals Kensing Acquires Vitae Naturals
    Lynside® Forte B offers full range of B-vitamin benefits with nutritional yeast Lynside® Forte B offers full range of B-vitamin benefits with nutritional yeast
    Shiitake Mushroom Extract Appears Helpful in HPV Infections Shiitake Mushroom Extract Appears Helpful in HPV Infections
    Florida Food Products Acquires Javo Florida Food Products Acquires Javo
    New IADSA Chair Lauds Explorations of Supplementation in Healthcare Policy New IADSA Chair Lauds Explorations of Supplementation in Healthcare Policy
    Upcycled Coffeeberry® Cascara Offers Versatility in Functional Beverage Development Upcycled Coffeeberry® Cascara Offers Versatility in Functional Beverage Development
    GNC and RealEats Meal Delivery Partnership Expands Nationally GNC and RealEats Meal Delivery Partnership Expands Nationally
    CHPA Hires Two Key Personnel CHPA Hires Two Key Personnel
    Mondelez to Acquire Clif Bar for $2.9 Billion in Bid to Reshape Snack Portfolio for Long-Term Growth Mondelez to Acquire Clif Bar for $2.9 Billion in Bid to Reshape Snack Portfolio for Long-Term Growth
    GOOD Meat Breaks Ground on Largest Cultivated Meat Facility in Asia GOOD Meat Breaks Ground on Largest Cultivated Meat Facility in Asia

    Related Live From Shows

    • Prinova

      Prinova

      Visit us at the IFT Annual Meeting, Booth #: S2010!
      07.01.22

    • Breaking News | Dietary Supplements | Industry & Market News
      Pharmavite Expands in Ohio with $200 Million Investment

      Pharmavite Expands in Ohio with $200 Million Investment

      The company is investing in the construction of a new manufacturing facility, machinery, and equipment, with production expected to start by the end of 2024.
      06.30.22

    • Breaking News | Dietary Supplements | Industry & Market News | Mergers & Acquisitions | World Markets
      Nestlé Health Science Expands in New Zealand with Deal to Buy The Better Health Company

      Nestlé Health Science Expands in New Zealand with Deal to Buy The Better Health Company

      Deal includes the GO Healthy supplement brand, a manufacturing facility in Auckland, and Manuka honey brand Egmont.
      06.30.22


    • Breaking News | Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics | Skin Health | Supplier News
      Younger Consumers Drive Growing Demand for Ingestible Beauty and Skin Care Products

      Younger Consumers Drive Growing Demand for Ingestible Beauty and Skin Care Products

      Survey indicates 30% of consumers had purchased an ingestible skin care product over the past year, up from 14% in 2017.
      06.30.22

    • Breaking News | Dietary Supplements | Industry & Market News | Quality & Safety | Testing
      NOW Identifies Misleading Certificate of Analysis for Supplements Sold on Amazon

      NOW Identifies Misleading Certificate of Analysis for Supplements Sold on Amazon

      Document confirms ‘fill weight’ of capsules, but not identity, potency, or purity.
      06.30.22

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Three Grams Of Omega-3s May Be Optimal Dose For Reducing Blood Pressure
    • High Blood DHA Levels Linked To 49% Reduced Risk Of Alzheimer’s
    • CoQ10 And Royal Jelly Supplementation May Improve High Intensity Exercise
    • Oregon Files Lawsuit Against GNC
    • First Day Life Shuts Down Children's Behavioral, Cognitive Health Claims Following Challenge
    Breaking News
    • CRN Announces New Staff Appointments
    • Food Supplements Europe: Most Consumers Use Dietary Supplements Safely
    • True Westfjords Launches Dropi Cod Liver Oil Tonic
    • Alkemist Labs Warns About Missing Components to Pesticide Testing
    • Boswellia and Bengal Quince Fruit Extract Blend Linked to Respiratory Benefits
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    June 2022

    • Tapping Functional Beverages to Meet Modern Wellness Needs
    • Adaptogens: Where Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Wellness Products
    • New and Evolving Formulation Options Must Be Mindful of Blood Sugar Maintenance
    • Health Products Association - China Executive Director Reflects on Market Dynamics, Challenges
    • Blood Sugar Management: Personalized Testing Drives Home The Need for Early Intervention
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    CRN Announces New Staff Appointments
    Food Supplements Europe: Most Consumers Use Dietary Supplements Safely
    True Westfjords Launches Dropi Cod Liver Oil Tonic
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Waterborne Symposium Issues 2023 Call for Papers
    JNS-SmithChem Acquires Gulf Coast Chemical in Tampa, Florida
    Teknos Makes its Coatings with Help of Solar Power in Rajamäki, Finland
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    3M to Shed Neoplast, Neobun Brands
    FDA OKs Ra Medical Systems' DABRA 2.0 Catheter
    Hyperfine Leader Dave Scott to Step Down
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    TCG Lifesciences Inaugurates New R&D Facility in Pune
    Fujifilm Investing $1.6B to Expand Cell Culture Manufacturing Services
    Sharp Expands Clinical Services Operations at Heerenveen Facility
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Kevyn Aucoin Beauty To Launch Contour Eyeshadow Palettes
    Junoco Promotes #ToBeHuman Campaign
    Old Spice and Arby’s Launch Limited-Edition Meat Sweat Defense Kit
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Sustainability Expert Aris Vrettos Joins Croda
    PCA Skin Introduces New Pigment Gel Pro Dark Spot Treatment
    Deadline Nears for NJ Recycled Content Law
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    BASF Venture Capital Invests in Climentum Capital’s First Fund
    JNS-SmithChem Acquires Tampa-Based Gulf Coast Chemical
    Quad Added to Membership of US Small-Cap Russell 2000 Index
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Optimum Group acquires Labelco
    Provident announces appointment of Jake Garner
    APR announces VP promotions
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Heartland Polymers Begins Polypropylene Production in Alberta
    Malowaniec Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from EDANA
    Weekly Recap: Lifetime Technical Achievement Award Presented to Richard Knowlson, Alkegen Completes Luyang Acquisition & More
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    SpineX Begins SCONE Clinical Trial
    First Patient Enrolled in BioRestorative Therapies' Chronic Lumbar Disc Disease Trial
    Zimmer Biomet Creates Independent Philanthropic Non-Profit Coalition
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    NREL Scientists Explore How to Make PV Even Greener
    ams OSRAM Announces Closing of Sale of AMLS Business to Plastic Omnium
    Confidex’s Carrier Dual Delivers Shared RAIN RFID and NFC Memory

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login