When looking to gain certification for your dietary supplement you will find yourself in a world of acronyms. It is easy to get lost amidst a sea of FDA and NSF and it can seem confusing at first.
In this post we’re going to talk about the difference between NSF GMP and NSF Certified for Sport®. In short – NSF GMP focuses on facility certification whilst NSF Certified for Sport evaluates a specific finished product.
NSF GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
NSF GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification is an independent, third-party verification that a manufacturing facility operates in accordance with specific, strict quality standards.
Specifically in the dietary supplement world, the GMP standard to look for is whether a facility is NSF/ANSI 455-2 certified.
Facilities must be re-certified on an annual or bi-annual basis. The process to become certified involves the following:
- Quality management – looking at the facility’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), record keeping, equipment tracking, pest control and more.
- Facility and equipment – an in-person inspection to verify that the facility is sanitary, well-maintained and SOPs are being adhered to.
- Traceability – an audit verifying that there is a clear and stringent process for tracking of raw material and packaging components through to the finished product
Working with a manufacturer who is an NSF GMP certified facility ensures that you are working with a company who is committed to upholding the GMP standards and has undergone a third party verification to prove this.
NSF Certified for Sport®
The NSF Certified for Sport® is a mark/logo that you will see on specific products. It is the only independent third-party certification program recognized by organizations including the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). It is a rigorous certification program covering four main areas:
- Banned substance screening – verifying that the product does not contain any of the 290 substances banned by major athletic organizations, and also does not contain unsafe levels of contaminants
- Label and formulation review – ensuring the product contains what is listed on supplement facts panel both in terms of ingredients and dosages
- Facility and supplier inspections – guaranteeing that the product is manufactured at a facility that is GMP Certified and audited annually or bi-annually based on grade for quality and safety by NSF. The audit also confirms that there are no banned substances on the property.
- Ongoing monitoring – continuing to test every product lot that is manufactured to ensure products remain compliant
If you are a brand looking to become Certified for Sport® your manufacturer must hold NSF Certified for Sport® credentials. The Certified for Sport® is an additional audit that can take place alongside the NSF GMP audit. As a brand, you can only enter products into the Certified for Sport® certification program if you are working with a manufacturer who holds the same certification.
In conclusion
If you would like to enter your products into the NSF’s product certification program then it is a non-negotiable that you have to work with a facility that is NSF GMP certified.
If you wish your product to display the NSF Contents Certified [link to NSF-ANSI 173 vs NSF-ANSI 455 explained blog post] logo then you need to work with a facility that holds a NSF ANSI 455-2. And if you wish your product to display the NSF Certified for Sport® logo then you must work with a manufacturer who is Certified for Sport® certified.
Both NSF GMP and NSF Certified for Sport® provide a sign for consumers that the brand they are purchasing from takes safety and quality seriously.
If you want to work with a company that is already NSF/ANSI 455-2 and NSF Certified for Sport® certified then we’d love to hear from you! Talk to us here