The molecular microbiologist’s appointment was a move “meant to more closely align [NSF AuthenTechnologies] with NSF International’s core scientific testing and research services,” the company said in a statement.
NSF International, globally known for its food safety and inspection services, acquired California-based AuthenTechnologies from founder and former CEO Dr. Danica Reynaud two years ago.
At the time, it was the only lab offering DNA testing for the dietary supplements industry, and NSF International said back then that the acquisition was to meet increasing demand in this field, a time when New York Attorney General Scott Schneiderman’s scrutiny on the industry made mainstream headlines.
Dr. Reynaud left the company in December 2017.
Dr. Miller's title will remain the same, and he will continue to be responsible as director of applied research at NSF International.
The company hopes that, under new leadership, NSF AuthenTechnologies will expand its range of services and re-engineer many of its testing, customer service, and reporting processes.
"We expect to launch new DNA Authentication services in the next month," a spokesperson told NutraIngredients-USA. "As part of NSF’s Applied Research program, NSF AuthenTechnologies will offer custom research and development services, including contract method development; testing and consulting services in chemistry, microbiology, genomics and toxicology; product claim verifications; lab quality management; methods training; and human health risk assessment."
According to the press release, bringing NSF AuthenTechnologies closer to the rest of NSF International’s operations sends “a clear message to the dietary supplement community.”
"We're aligning further with NSF's scientific processes and putting transparency at the forefront of what we do at NSF AuthenTechnologies," said Dr. Lori Bestervelt, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at NSF International. "Dr. Miller is well respected in the scientific community and, with his DNA testing expertise, he's a great fit for this role."