Supplement companies often put a seal or stamp on their website or product labels with words such as “Certified GMP,” “FDA Approved Facility,” or “CGMP Inspected Facility,” but these should not be mistaken as indications of safety or federal approval. There is no “official” seal or stamp, and misuse of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) logo is illegal. Instead, companies are expected to comply, by law, with CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) regulations. As FDA states, they don’t “…have the authority to approve dietary supplements or their labeling before they are sold to the public.” It’s the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor to ensure the dietary supplement products they introduce into the market is safe.
FDA law requires that dietary supplement companies prepare their products according to CGMPs as described in 21 CFR 111. These requirements help ensure that a dietary supplement product is manufactured, prepared, and stored properly and meet certain quality standards. Manufacturers, distributors, and importers of dietary supplements are responsible for complying with CGMPs, which include instructions for manufacturers to keep extensive records and test ingredients prior to manufacturing and products prior to distributing.
You might be interested in reading “Why doesn't FDA stop unsafe supplements from reaching the market?” And for in-depth information about CGMPs, see Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) Regulations.
Updated 14 July 2023
