Laboratory testing plays a pivotal role within our industry. Brands looking to introduce new products lean on substantiated lab testing results to support product claims and instill a sense of confidence within consumers. But the laboratory testing space is just as layered as any other results-driven aspect within the natural products industry. To get updated on the latest in the space, we asked experts to offer their perspectives on the current landscape, the need for companies to stay up-to-date on testing, what to be aware of as we head into 2025, and what services independent labs offer to help brands successfully navigate whatever may be brewing on the horizon.
Current State of Affairs
"In today's market, testing is a critical differentiator for brands," stresses Sandra Lee, CEO of NJ Labs. "Consumers are increasingly informed and concerned about the quality and safety of the products they consume. Transparency and integrity around testing, particularly for microbial and chemical contaminants, builds consumer trust. Brands that invest in thorough testing, especially when partnering with FDA-registered & ISO-certified laboratories that adhere to stringent regulatory guidelines, are better positioned to assure their customers of product safety and quality. As the market evolves, testing is no longer just a compliance requirement—it's also a competitive advantage."
John Travis, Principal Technical Manager, NSF Certified for Sport, sees the need for information as the greatest factor in today's landscape: "The need to stay up to date on testing best practices and trends has never been greater... Consumers demand more transparency about the products they purchase, retailers are adopting trust programs and formal policies for testing to ensure product quality, ingredient suppliers are creating new and existing ingredients with novel delivery systems and brands are devising unique formulations."
Current industry regulations set forth by government institutions have created a need for companies to work hand in hand with an accredited and specialized lab testing services provider, says Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs. "Product testing of dietary supplements is legally required. As part of its current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) rule, FDA requires that dietary-supplement manufacturers use scientifically valid methods to confirm the identity of the materials in their products, as well as the truthfulness and accuracy of what they print on product labels. While that’s all undebatable, ambiguity does exist around what test methods are appropriate for what test samples, which is why working with a lab that specializes in a particular lane of this industry is always best."
Just as important as adhering to current regulations is knowing which lab to select. "The choice of lab is important, because the range of quality in testing is as vast as the range in product quality," Sudberg says. "Some things that you look for include ISO 17025 accreditation, which guarantees overall quality management structure. It’s best if the lab has the specific test you need on their ISO scope, but given how many specialized test methods there are, that’s not always possible."
With regulatory compliance taking precedence in today's climate, Sudberg maintains that ingredient testing services should be given just as much spotlight. "In addition to regulatory compliance, ingredient testing serves another important purpose. When a product’s label says it contains something, consumers expect the product to be what it says. Testing confirms that, or lets the manufacturer know they have a problem before the product hits the marketplace. To earn and keep consumer trust, brands not only should ensure their products meet label claim, but they should also make each batch’s test results confirming identity, purity, and potency public."
Forever Synonymous
Entering an agreement with a lab requires vetting in order to get it right. "As far as FDA is concerned, a brand’s contract testing lab is an extension of their own facility," says Sudberg. "The choice of which testing labs to use has immense ramifications for suppliers, manufacturers and brands, directly impacting regulatory compliance, product quality, and consumer trust. It’s essential to choose a contract lab with the right expertise and that can function as an extension of a brand’s quality procedures. Labs confirm the identity of each dietary ingredient that goes into a supplement, or verify those supplements’ meet established specifications for purity, strength, composition and contamination levels."
To help those in need of guidance: "Because lab selection is so significant, Alkemist Labs developed a guidance document to help the industry choose third-party testing labs, filling an information gap in the industry," Sudberg says. "Some of the aspects of the lab vetting process described include testing requirements, legal repercussions of inadequate testing, what qualities to look for in a lab, a qualifications checklist, the testing role of contract manufacturers vs. brands, among other aspects of the selection process. Partnering with contract labs is a key part of meeting regulatory requirements for many brands and manufacturers so it is important that companies are well equipped to make this important decision."
The Next Frontier
As companies turn the page on 2024, insiders have begun setting their sights on what the new year will bring. Lee says it will be an even greater year of transparency. "As we approach 2025, authenticity and integrity will be more critical than ever. Simply obtaining Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from labs is no longer adequate. Natural companies need to ask deeper questions about the credibility of the labs they work with."
- What standards and testing methods are being used?
- Are these methods validated and/or verified?
- Are these labs willing to share this information with you?
"Independent labs like NJ Labs offer a wealth of services that go beyond routine testing," Lee notes. "We provide education and guidance, helping brand owners understand the science behind the data. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions that enhance product integrity, ensuring they meet both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations." WF
