CapsCanada
Wakunaga
USP Verification

USP Responds To Actions Regarding Supplements Containing Drugs

by Cristina Goodwin | May 26, 2015

In response to multiple actions regarding dietary supplements containing drugs or drug analogs, Gabriel Giancaspro, PhD, vice president, Foods, Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines, United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), an independent, science-based, standards setting organization and publisher of the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF), an official compendia of quality standards for dietary supplements sold in the U.S., issued the following statement:

“In recent weeks, the case of supplements containing an amphetamine-like substance called BMPEA has prompted FDA recalls; industry trade group condemnation; appeals from Congress for increased enforcement, consumer education campaigns and greater participation by manufacturers in third-party verification programs; and has been the subject of multiple media reports including a report by HBO that focused on the use of these products by military personnel. There is wide agreement: these products pose a significant threat to public health and should not be on the market.

“To protect public health, we depend on a safety net that relies on the coordinated efforts of multiple actors each contributing in different ways.  Agencies as diverse as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); Health and Human Services (HHS) and Customs and Border Protection enforce a wide array of regulatory requirements that together make up this protective net. Their work is complemented by academic researchers, industry and science-based nonprofits like USP.

“When widely utilized by both regulators and manufacturers, scientifically based, public quality standards, like those in the USP-NF protect public health by promoting consistent quality regardless of where a product is made or by whom—an important feature in today’s increasingly global and complex supply chain. USP standards are designed to be periodically updated to incorporate new technologies and reflect market trends—including the increasingly sophisticated adulteration employed by criminals with the intent to obtain economic gain or others seeking to skirt regulatory requirements.”

USP is in the process of developing new standards that specifically address this issue. Proposed General Chapter <2251> Adulteration of Dietary Supplements with Drugs and Drug Analogs was developed with the input of regulators, industry and health care practitioners and is currently open for public comment. USP encourages all interested parties to contribute their perspectives and expertise

To further protect public health, USP established the “USP Verified” program for supplement manufacturers and retailers seeking a more visible way to inform and reassure consumers that their products consistently meet USP’s stringent quality standards.

Application of USP standards—either independently or via the USP Verified Program—can help identify adulterants and prevent questionable products from reaching consumers.

Protecting public health is a shared responsibility. That is why, at USP, we believe public health is best served when both industry and regulators utilize the public quality standards of the USP-NF.”

For more information, visit www.usp.org.

Don't Miss Out!

Sign up for Vitamin Retailer Digital Newsletter
Digital Newsletter
Subscribe to Vitamin Retailer Magazine
Vitamin Retailer Magazine

Industry Professionals
Stay Informed!

Stay informed about the latest health, nutrition, and wellness developments by signing up for a FREE subscription to Vitamin Retailer magazine and digital newsletter.

Once subscribed, you will receive industry insights, product trends, and important news directly to your doorstep and inbox.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay Informed! Breaking news, industry trends featured topics, and more.

Subscribe to our newsletter today!