The Natural Products Association and the Supplement Industry

When most people think of the regulation of foods, supplements, and drugs, they usually think of the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration. Although the FDA plays a large role in the regulation of supplements, there is a non-government body that is an even larger part of the manufacturing and regulation of dietary supplements and vitamins: the Natural Products Association, or the NPA.

The Natural Products Association is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1936 to represent companies involved in the natural products industry, including retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors of products such as beauty/health aids, supplements, and foods. When it was first founded, the Natural Products Association was known as the National Nutritional Foods Association, or the NNFA. However, they changed their name in June of 2006.

The Natural Products Association is chiefly concerned with making sure the companies manufacturing and distributing natural products are able to do so, and that consumers are able to get safe and effective products. They do this by regulating the manufacturers and other companies involved in the natural products industry with practices such as outside audits and independent testing. Not only does this ensure that the products being sold include the ingredients and amounts on the label, but it also provides assurance for the consumers that products produced by a member of the Natural Products Association are tested.

To learn more about the Natural Products Association, GMP certification, and the benefits of working with a member, such as Vitarich Laboratories, call or e-mail us today.