Product Testing Is Now an Option

Because dietary supplements aren’t subject to government regulation ensuring product quality, there has been no guarantee that the products actually contain ingredients on the label.

Now, however, the venerable pharmaceutical standards-setting organization, U.S. Pharmacopeia, has invited supplement manufacturers to have their products tested. Products that earn the “USP-verified” seal must contain ingredients in the designated amounts, meet acceptable limits of undesired elements and be manufactured properly.

The first dietary supplements bearing the USP-verified mark are not anticipated before mid-2002. And the USP-verified mark does not ensure that the product claims regarding function are accurate.