‘Burn it, don’t return it’: SupplySide adds BAPP SOP to exhibitor compliance program
“SupplySide does not perform testing, nor do we require lab analyses on products presented at our events,” the rules for compliance read. “However, consumer safety is important to us.”
Developed by the American Botanical Council (ABC), the American Herbal Pharmacopeia (AHP) and the National Center for Natural Products research, BAPP released its “Burn it, don’ Return it” standard operation procedure (SOP) in 2022. Since launch, the SOP has rapidly received industry recognition including the 2023 NutraIngredients-USA Industry Initiative of the Year award.
In the U.S. and many other countries, good manufacturing practices (GMPs) regulations require that ingredients be tested for identity and purity before being used to manufacture consumer products. However, the GMPs do not specify what should be done with material that does not pass muster.
“At its core, the BAPP SOP is a consumer-protection-oriented process, even though its language and process are obviously very industry-centric,” said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of ABC and founder of BAPP. “Adulteration impacts product quality, efficacy and sometimes even safety, and importantly, consumer trust and confidence.”
Participating suppliers and buyers must agree that products determined to be or contain these irreparably defective articles cannot be resold for their intended use under any circumstances.
The SOP also includes language for inclusion in purchase agreements for the removal and certified third-party destruction of both botanical and non-botanical ingredients and products that both buyer and seller agree are adulterated or contaminated in ways that cannot be lawfully remediated (reconditioned) for intended use anywhere.
“This important new announcement will greatly expand awareness, endorsement, and implementation of the BAPP SOP by responsible members of the dietary supplement industry, reducing brand and product liability across global supply networks,” Blumenthal added.
Visitors to the upcoming SupplySide West trade show in Las Vegas are invited to attend a presentation on the BAPP SOP from the SupplySide Stage on Oct. 31 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
