Grab your favorite supplement (or the one closest at hand) and check out the label. Beyond the sleek packaging, sexy marketing jargon, and supplement facts panel, there is some fine print, typically on the back and bottom of the label that’ll say something along the lines of “Manufactured in a cGMP facility” or “Manufactured according to GMP.”
What is GMP?
GMP stands for “good manufacturing practices” and having supplements manufactured in a GMP-certified/registered facility provides a measure of reassurance for both consumers and retailers that a product is manufactured utilizing industry best practices.
However, ALL manufacturing facilities are required to follow GMP regulations (which, by definition, covers purity testing, cleanliness, sanitation, equipment verification, record keeping, product complaints, etc.). Failure to adhere to established GMP regulations can result in product recalls, inventory seizure, considerable fines, and worse.
One very important thing to be aware of is that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does NOT issue GMP certifications or seals as there is no “official” seal or stamp issued by the FDA. Furthermore, misuse of the FDA logo is illegal.
So…Is GMP Certification Good?
Short answer…yes.
GMP regulations mandate that manufacturers employ a quality approach to manufacturing. This empowers brands to minimize or eliminate the potential for contamination, mixups, and errors. For you, the consumer, it offers added protection from buying a supplement which is not effective or necessarily even safe for consumption.
Benefits of GMP Certification
Having a supplement manufactured in a cGMP certified and registered facility[1]:
- Increases protection of the company selling the product
- Minimizes risks of contaminants
- Prepares the manufacturing facility for regulatory inspections
- Reduces the number of audits and financial costs associated with the auditing process
- Promotes a culture of product safety and quality within the company
- Demonstrates a brand’s commitment to product safety and quality for their customers
The Superior Certification -- NSF
NSF stands for National Sanitation Foundation.
It is an independent organization, founded in 1944, completely separate from government influence/lobbyists that assures consumers, retailers, and regulators that NSF-certified manufacturing facility has been rigorously inspected to comply with all standard requirements.
NSF inspectors routinely audit NSF-certified facilities based on GMP standards, and NSF inherently follows the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Standards Council of Canada (SCC) standards development processes. Standards are developed by joint committees, consisting of individuals vested in public health, industry and consumer well-being.
NSF vs GMP Certification
NSF certification, by definition, includes GMP certification. However, there are some key differences between GMP registration and the NSF/ANSI 455 GMP certification including the facts that NSF certification offers[3]:
- The leading GMP audits for dietary supplements based on cGMP and current federal regulations
- A defined audit process that stipulates audit duration, timeline for CAR reviews, and ongoing monitoring requirements
- A grading system based on the number and severity of non-conformances (i.e. correcting things a manufacturer isn’t doing properly)
- Superior industry practices based on retailer requirements
- Certification recognized by the Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance (GRMA) composed of industry-leading retailers and manufacturers
The Bottom Line
NSF is among the most revered and respected GMP Registration programs in the industry. Supplements offered by 1UP Nutrition is produced in an NSF-certified facility to provide you, our valued customers, with unparalleled quality and effectiveness.
We understand that you have more options than ever when it comes choosing a supplement company. With that knowledge in mind, we have taken every step possible to ensure you’re offered the most ultra-premium products on the market.
Click here to explore our all-inclusive lineup of products to support muscle building, weight loss, body recomposition, and total body health, wellness, and longevity.
