In 2022, the total number of dietary supplements on the market was estimated to exceed 100,000 per the FDA.
That’s a lot of supplements — talk about paralysis through analysis when choosing the right one!
With so many supplements on the market, how can you be sure the one you consume is manufactured safely and meets quality standards?
I’d recommend starting with GMP Certification.
Intro to GMP Certification
What is GMP certification?
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification ensures that supplements are produced in facilities that follow strict safety, hygiene, and quality control guidelines. Without following Good Manufacturing Practices, there’s no guarantee that a supplement contains what it claims — or that it’s free from harmful contaminants.
Since we’re a supplement company offering multi collagen peptides, we must note that GMP certification is not just for supplements. It ensures consumer safety across various industries such as:
- pharmaceuticals
- food production
- cosmetics
- medical devices
According to the FDA:
CGMP regulations assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. Adherence to the CGMP regulations assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drug products by requiring that manufacturers adequately control manufacturing operations.
— FDA
What does GMP Certified mean?
Back to supplements.
When a supplement is GMP certified, it means that it has been manufactured in a facility that follows strict protocols related to cleanliness, ingredient sourcing, labeling, testing, and overall product integrity.
What is a GMP Certified Facility?
Let’s talk about these “facilities”.
A GMP certified facility is a manufacturing site that meets the regulatory and quality control standards established by governing bodies such as:
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration), in the U.S.
- WHO (World Health Organization), internationally
- Independent organizations like NSF International, USP, and NPA that offer third-party GMP certifications
How a facility maintains GMP Certification
To maintain certification, a facility must comply with rigorous standards, including:
- Proper ingredient sourcing and handling to avoid contamination
- Clean and sanitary production conditions
- Accurate record-keeping to track product safety and consistency
- Testing for purity and potency to confirm the product matches its label claims
- Proper labeling and packaging to prevent misinformation
- Detailed documentation of every batch produced, ensuring traceability and accountability
What is a GMP Certified Supplement?
Now let’s get into the specifics of GMP certification as it relates to supplements.
GMP-certified supplements are dietary supplements that have been manufactured in a facility that meets the Good Manufacturing Practices standards.
Are most supplements GMP Certified?
Answering this question helps highlight the potential danger consumers face.
No, not all supplements are manufactured in GMP facilities. How many are not? We’re not quite sure. Unfortunately, the FDA does not maintain a comprehensive list of GMP-compliant manufacturers. With that said, in a 2011 report 73% of supplement manufacturers inspected by the FDA were found to violate one or more GMP regulations.
Why is GMP Certification important for Supplements?
Dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals. The FDA requires supplement companies to follow GMP guidelines (21 CFR Part 111), but it does not test every product for quality or safety. This lack of oversight means that many low-quality supplements can enter the market.
Here’s why GMP certification matters
- Ensures Quality Control: A GMP-certified supplement is manufactured with high standards to ensure ingredient accuracy and purity.
- Prevents Contamination: GMP regulations minimize the risk of harmful contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, and other toxins.
- Guarantees Proper Labeling: GMP-certified supplements must contain the ingredients and dosages listed on the label, preventing misleading claims.
- Builds Consumer Trust: Knowing a supplement was produced in a GMP-certified facility reassures consumers that the product meets strict safety and efficacy standards.
- Legal Compliance: Companies that fail to meet GMP standards can face serious consequences, including product recalls, FDA warnings, and even legal action.
MORE FROM COLLAGEN COLLEGE™
Collagen Peptides & Heavy Metals: What You Need to Know
GMP Compliance vs Certification
An important detail here to remember: Compliance is not the same as certification. While all manufacturers are required to follow GMPs, not all receive third-party GMP certification to validate compliance.
GMP Certification vs. Third-Party Testing
Is GMP Certification the same as Third-Party Testing?
No.
While GMP certification ensures a safe and consistent manufacturing process, it does not verify the final product’s:
- purity
- potency
- safety
That’s where third-party testing organizations like NSF Certified for Sport®, USP, Informed Sport, and BSCG come in. If you’re into collagen (like we are), learn more about third party tested collagen!
Comparison Table
Here are the key differences between GMP Compliance vs GMP Certification vs Third-party Testing.
| GMP Compliance vs GMP Certification vs Third-party Testing | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| GMP Compliance | GMP Certification | Third-party Testing | |
| Ensures safe manufacturing | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Verifies final product safety | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Regulated by FDA | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Independent third-party validation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
What happens if a Supplement does not meet GMP Compliance/Standards?
If a product does not meet GMP compliance/standards, it does not necessarily mean it is harmful, but it does indicate that proper manufacturing procedures were not followed. Violations can range from minor administrative errors to serious contamination issues. In response, the FDA may:
- Request a voluntary recall by the manufacturer
- Issue a warning letter or citation for GMP violations
- Take legal action through a seizure or injunction, which can lead to confiscation of the product or forced corrective actions by the company
How to know if a Supplement is GMP certified?
So now that you know GMP certification is important, how can you tell if a supplement has it?
Inspect the label.
Most supplements that have GMP certification will want to tout it and typically express it in one of two ways:
- “GMP Certified Facility”
- “Manufactured in a GMP Facility”
Is there a universally recognizable GMP Certified Badge or Icon?
There is no single, standardized GMP-certified badge that all supplement companies must use. Instead, supplement companies typically design their own GMP certification logos or use those provided by third-party GMP certifiers like NSF International, USP, or NPA if they are certified through these organizations.
Key Facts about GMP Certification Badges
- FDA does not issue a GMP seal
- While companies must comply with FDA regulations, the FDA does not provide an official logo
- Many supplement brands design their own GMP badge to display on labels and websites
Why CB Supplements prioritizes GMP Certification
At CB Supplements, we take quality seriously. Our multi collagen peptides powders are manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, ensuring that every batch is produced under strict quality control measures. In addition, our NSF certified collagen undergoes third-party testing to guarantee purity and safety, providing consumers with the cleanest multi collagen on the planet!
Final Thought
GMP certification is an essential indicator of quality, safety, and transparency in the supplement industry.
