SuppCo Launches Revolutionary Certification Program to Verify Active Ingredients in Dietary Supplements
SuppCo, a leading company in the supplement industry, has introduced a groundbreaking certification program called TESTED by SuppCo. This initiative aims to address the long-standing issue of transparency and accountability in the supplement market, where consumers often struggle to make informed decisions. The program complements SuppCo's existing TrustScore system, which evaluates supplement quality, and builds upon previous testing efforts that revealed alarming discrepancies between supplement labels and actual ingredients.
Addressing a Systemic Issue
Steve Martocci, co-founder and CEO of SuppCo, shared his personal journey that led to the creation of TESTED by SuppCo. He expressed his frustration with the lack of reliable information about supplements, stating, 'SuppCo was born out of my own frustration trying to make informed decisions about supplements, and I quickly realized this wasn’t a personal challenge but a systemic failure of the industry.'
The initial testing revealed a shocking truth: nearly half of the top-selling supplements failed to meet basic label accuracy standards. This prompted SuppCo to take action and develop a comprehensive solution.
Certifying What's on the Shelf
TESTED by SuppCo is designed to independently verify the active ingredients in dietary supplements. Jordan Glenn, the head of science at SuppCo, explained that the certification is an extension of their previous testing efforts, which analyzed popular supplements sold on Amazon. The findings were eye-opening, with half of the products failing to meet basic label accuracy standards.
The program adds an extra layer of assurance to the TrustScore system, which evaluates formulation decisions, manufacturing standards, and transparency practices before a product reaches the lab. TESTED by SuppCo ensures that consumers can trust what they are buying by providing an independent assessment of the active ingredients in each supplement.
Closing the Loop on Quality Control
TESTED by SuppCo's testing process involves submitting products to an independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratory. Products that meet or exceed 95% of their labeled active ingredient claims earn the certification. All test results, whether certified or not, are transparently displayed on SuppCo's product pages, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
Glenn emphasized the importance of this visibility, especially with SuppCo's large user base actively tracking their supplement routines. By making certification results, including failures, readily available, SuppCo ensures that consumers can make informed decisions and hold brands accountable.
Annual Compliance and Remediation
To maintain high standards, SuppCo conducts annual testing to ensure compliance. Products that fail to meet the certification criteria are guided through remediation processes before being retested. Brands are responsible for covering the certification fees, which cover the costs of independent testing, program operations, and licensing.
Overcoming Structural Challenges
SuppCo is not the first company to address the issue of supplement labeling and identity standards. However, their approach is unique in how it tackles the structural problems in the industry. Glenn highlights that most existing certifications rely on manufacturer-submitted samples, which can be manipulated. TESTED by SuppCo purchases products anonymously, simulating a consumer's experience, to ensure a more accurate assessment.
Industry Self-Policing and Transparency
The supplement industry is at a critical juncture, with rising consumer expectations and increased regulatory scrutiny. Glenn believes that transparency is the key to building trust and maintaining a competitive advantage. Brands that participate in TESTED by SuppCo understand the importance of accountability and are willing to prove their product quality.
Jeff Byers, CEO of Momentous, a participating brand, emphasizes the value of transparency, stating, 'It’s easy for brands to talk about quality and boast big claims about their products, but it’s much harder to prove it.'
SuppCo's mission is to ensure supplement label accuracy, identity, purity, and quality, addressing a fundamental issue in the industry. By closing the loop on quality control, they aim to create a more trustworthy and reliable supplement market.
