Business Matters

How to Evaluate the Quality of a Supplement Contract Manufacturer

Choosing the proper supplement contract manufacturer is an essential decision for your brand. If you choose poorly, your products may not meet regulatory standards, and you could face lawsuits or a loss of consumer trust.

To prevent this from happening, take the time to evaluate your potential manufacturers carefully. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Look for Certifications

A supplement brand must use only the highest quality ingredients and manufacturing standards to maintain its reputation as an industry leader. This includes thoroughly testing raw materials to meet identity, purity, and potency requirements. It also means regularly auditing and inspecting the manufacturer’s facility and equipment.

A supplement contract manufacturer prioritizing quality will abide by strict regulatory guidelines set forth by the FDA and other government agencies. This helps safeguard a supplement brand from costly fines or product recalls that can damage its reputation and consumer trust.

In addition to establishing their commitment to quality, a reputable supplement manufacturer will be willing to share relevant certifications with you. They should also be able to provide you with sample tests of raw materials and in-process and finished products and show you their facilities via a video conference call. This is a crucial sign of transparency and openness in the relationship.

Look for Experience

When choosing a supplement contract manufacturer, it is essential to consider their experience. This can be found by evaluating their credentials, quality certifications, and compliance records. A more experienced company will likely encourage transparency throughout the manufacturing process and ensure all necessary regulatory requirements are met.

They will also have a more extensive knowledge of the dietary supplement industry and its guidelines. This helps avoid any pitfalls that could impact the quality of the finished product.

When finding a good contract manufacturer for your supplements, taking your time and evaluating your options is essential. You can do this by looking at the manufacturer’s capability – what types of dosage forms they can create (e.g., capsules, tablets, soft gels) and their packaging options. It is also essential to look for a manufacturer that can grow with you and meet your current and future production needs.

Look for a Reputation

A contract supplement manufacturer’s reputation speaks volumes about the company and the quality of its products. Working with an experienced and reputable supplement contract manufacturer will give you peace of mind that your product will be produced correctly, according to the standards required by regulatory authorities.

Poor quality control is a significant concern in the supplement industry because it can lead to product recalls, legal action, and damage to consumer trust. These issues can erode your brand’s reputation and cause severe financial harm.

The specter of an FDA Form 483 keeps many supplement marketers up at night. You can avoid these nightmare scenarios by choosing a contract supplement manufacturer specializing in quality assurance and compliance. They will ensure your dietary supplement is free of harmful contaminants and meets all regulations. They will also provide formulation assistance to help you create a product that will sell.

Look for Lead Times

The length of a supplement contract manufacturer’s experience goes hand-in-hand with their knowledge of the manufacturing process and regulatory compliance. However, it would help if you expanded beyond manufacturers that have been in business for the longest time. Newer manufacturers can bring innovative techniques and technology into the industry. Additionally, a contract manufacturer should be able to offer lower minimums and work with brands looking for kosher, vegan, gluten-free, or pesticide-free products.

Lastly, the manufacturer should be willing to screen share raw material test results and in-process and final product samples. They should also be able to provide stability studies and assist with product labeling. Remember, a reputable manufacturer will focus on the details and protect their customers’ reputations by ensuring that all ingredients are high quality, GMP regulations are met, and all labeling requirements are followed. A lack of focus on these issues could result in a class action lawsuit, fines, or lost customer trust.