A frequently posed question regarding dietary supplements is: Are dietary supplements regulated by the FDA? The answer is a resounding “YES.” Even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes dietary supplements as foods, not drugs, there is a stringent set of regulations and requirements that manufacturers must adhere to ensure product safety and integrity.
While dietary supplements do not require premarket approval by the FDA, they are far from unregulated. Manufacturers must adhere to several key areas of regulatory oversight, including Good Manufacturing Practices, product labeling, use of new dietary ingredients, post-marketing surveillance, and addressing the issue of adulterated or misbranded supplements.
Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs)
Adherence to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) for dietary supplements, as stipulated under 21 CFR Part 111, is critical for manufacturers. CGMPs ensure consistency in manufacturing and rigorous quality control thereby affirming product safety, identity, strength, and purity.
Labeling and Marketing
Labeling and marketing of dietary supplements are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. These requirements exist to protect consumers, providing them with the necessary information to make informed decisions about the dietary supplements they consume. Supplement labels must display vital information including identity statement, net quantity of contents, nutrition labeling, and an ingredient list.
New Dietary Ingredients (NDIs)
One key regulation outlined in the DSHEA of 1994 is related to supplements incorporating new dietary ingredients (NDIs). When a manufacturer decides to incorporate an NDI into a dietary supplement, they must notify the FDA at least 75 days before introducing the product to the market.
Post-Marketing Surveillance
The FDA maintains rigorous post-marketing surveillance of dietary supplements. Post-marketing surveillance is a critical component of the regulatory framework for dietary supplements, ensuring ongoing monitoring of a product’s safety once it has been launched in the market. The goal of post-marketing surveillance is to identify any adverse events or issues related to the product that were not revealed during the pre-market phase.
The FDA mandates that all serious adverse events related to the use of dietary supplements be reported. Manufacturers, packers, and distributors are required to record, investigate, and forward these reports to the FDA. The documentation must include all necessary details about the event, the product, and the individual experiencing the event.
Additionally, the FDA encourages voluntary reporting of other adverse events, even if they are not classified as serious. Such reports can contribute to a better understanding of the product’s safety profile and could lead to necessary actions if a pattern of adverse events emerges.
Adulterated and Misbranded Supplements
Adulterated and misbranded supplements represent a significant area of concern within the FDA regulations related to dietary supplements. An adulterated supplement refers to a product that presents a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury under the conditions of use recommended in the labeling, or if it contains an unsafe new dietary ingredient, among other conditions. Misbranding, on the other hand, refers to a wide range of labeling issues, including false or misleading information, inadequate or non-compliant labeling, and failure to meet the specific FDA regulations for labeling dietary supplements. The FDA can act against manufacturers and distributors of adulterated or misbranded dietary supplements, including issuing warning letters, seizures, injunctions, criminal prosecutions, and initiating recall of the products.
Information needed for Supplement Labels
There are three important pieces of information needed to kick off ANY type of lab or label project related to supplements.
- A list of ingredients
- The formulation
- Any claims being made about the performance of the product – such as weight loss, sexual enhancement or nutrition.
Without this data, no lab can provide a formal quotation for the services you may need to comply with your marketplace retailer and/or the FDA.
Lab Partnership is Key
A good lab partner recognizes manufacturers’ responsibilities, such as the creation of efficacious products, assuring their safety, precise labeling, and alignment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. Your lab partner’s commitment lies in providing a broad suite of testing services and compliance guidance to assist manufacturers in navigating this complex regulatory landscape.
RL Food Testing Laboratory can assist manufacturers in ensuring their product labels are accurate and contain all necessary information. We offer comprehensive product assessments and detailed analytical reports to substantiate compliance with CGMPs. Our team understands the nuances of dietary supplement labeling and helps manufacturers navigate these complex guidelines to maintain compliance.
In a rapidly evolving dietary supplement market, a manufacturers’ commitment to meeting FDA regulations amplifies their brand’s trust and credibility. With the expert assistance of RL Food Testing Laboratory, regulatory compliance can be seamlessly integrated into manufacturers’ practices, ensuring the continued provision of safe, valuable, and trustworthy products to consumers.
