The DNA authentication protocol and certification not only test the purity of a raw ingredient’s plant species, but it also screens for contamination, including common adulterants, toxic adulterant, allergens, and fillers, according to the company.
“With complex global supply chains and fraudulent ingredients popping up in unexpected places, DNA authentication of raw ingredients is a prudent step for supplement manufacturers who are concerned about the quality and purity of products,” said Jesse Miller, Ph.D., Director of Applied Research at NSF International.
“With the new DNA Authenticated mark, manufacturers, suppliers and, ultimately, consumers can be absolutely sure the ingredients they choose have been accurately identified,” he added.
Dr. Miller was appointed last month to lead the NSF AuthenTechnologies division, which is the team that is testing and certifying inrgedients to the DNA Authenticated protocol. In a recent interview with NutraIngredients-USA, he said that near-term tasks under his leadership will be to define best practices for where DNA testing properly fits within the ID regimen for a botanical supplement.
NSF International said that it maintains a database of validated DNA reference sequences for all relevant botanical ingredient and adulterant species of plants, fungi and probiotic bacteria, obtained as herbarium specimens through partnerships with top institutions such as Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley.
Other recent activities of NSF International within the dietary supplement space includes the launch of its Certified for Sport mobile app.