The new program is based the program on Nutrasource’s successful IFOS model, and while it is initially for brands it will expand to other levels of the supply chain at a later date.
“We had a number of clients pushing us to develop this,” explained William Rowe, President and CEO of Nutrasource. “The market segment is heating up and we wanted to stay ahead of the curve.”
The new program has been in development for six months, Rowe told NutraIngredients-USA, which was possible because it is based on Health Canada standards for probiotic annual quality testing for quality, stability and nutritional content (to read those guidelines please click HERE and HERE). These standards have been supplemented with input from industry about regarding plus key allergens and species ID.
Rowe added that many brands have already signed on for testing and more being added daily, with the website set to go ‘live’ in January 2018.
Like IFOS, there will be no charge to consumers, but companies pay the testing fees and web subscription fees. Compliant companies will be able to display an IPRO verification seal on their products and marketing materials.
“This program is about showcasing premium product quality to the market place,” said Rowe.
Commenting on the IPRO program, George Paraskevakos, executive director of the International Probiotics Association, told us: “IPA commends the IPRO initiative for third party qualification and verification of the quality of probiotic products. Our board is currently assessing its suitability and applicability for the category, along with other programs IPA might be considering. We will follow our standard processes to further evaluate this.”
IFOS
The IFOS program for fish oil and omega-3 products tests hundreds of finished products for nutritional quality, contaminants and stability and delivers the testing results to the consumer in free consumer notification reports.