AHPA launches GACP-GMP resource center

The American Herbal Products Association has developed a set of free assessment tools for use with AHPA's recently released Good Agricultural and Collection Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices for Botanical Materials (GACP-GMP).

The GACP-GMP resource center, which can be accessed HERE, includes nine assessment tools that cover an array of operations, from cultivation and harvesting to assessing botanical identity and quality. A guide is also provided to help companies select sections of the GACP-GMP document that are relevant to their specific botanical operations.

Templates are provided that explain how growers, harvesters, and processors can adapt to their operations to ensure that herbal raw materials used in consumer products are accurately identified, not adulterated with contaminants that may present a public health risk, and fully conform to all quality characteristics for which they are represented.

Companies can also use the assessment tools to document adoption of relevant GACP-GMP practices by suppliers. Companies can work with suppliers to identify the sections of the practices that the suppliers must adhere. Suppliers that complete the assessment tools will help companies identify and document all quality practices in the supply chain. It also encourages adoption of a common set of best practices.

“The guidance and assessment tools provide an easy-to-follow road map to implement and appraise best practices for most botanical operations,” said Jane Wilson, AHPA's director of program development.

“These free resources help companies identify and document practices that adhere to the GACP-GMP guidance and look for opportunities to further expand their commitment to producing and supplying quality botanical materials.”

To access the GACP-GMP document, please click HERE.