By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor12.06.18
Media scrutiny and increased government oversight in recent years have compelled companies in the dietary supplement industry to change how products are developed and validated.
A key catalyst for change was a 2015 investigation by then New York Attorney General (NYAG) Eric Schneiderman, which questioned the contents of herbal supplements sold at major retailers including Target, Walgreens, GNC, and Walmart. The NYAG relied on DNA barcode testing in the investigation, which industry experts countered was the incorrect testing method to analyze such products. Despite the fact that third-party, independent testing validated the contents of some of the products in question, the negative spotlight left many consumers and regulators concerned.
“In 2015, actions by the NYAG questioning the quality of botanical supplements based on the use of DNA-based tests brought attention to the importance of testing for determining the identity and quality of natural botanical products,” explained John Atwater, PhD, senior director of verification services, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), Rockville, MD. He suggested that while the r
A key catalyst for change was a 2015 investigation by then New York Attorney General (NYAG) Eric Schneiderman, which questioned the contents of herbal supplements sold at major retailers including Target, Walgreens, GNC, and Walmart. The NYAG relied on DNA barcode testing in the investigation, which industry experts countered was the incorrect testing method to analyze such products. Despite the fact that third-party, independent testing validated the contents of some of the products in question, the negative spotlight left many consumers and regulators concerned.
“In 2015, actions by the NYAG questioning the quality of botanical supplements based on the use of DNA-based tests brought attention to the importance of testing for determining the identity and quality of natural botanical products,” explained John Atwater, PhD, senior director of verification services, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), Rockville, MD. He suggested that while the r
Continue reading this story and get 24/7 access to Nutraceuticals World for FREE
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
