In one study performed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they found that both prescription and over-the-counter were perfectly good to use even 15 years after the expiration date. With that being said, how do you know if you should throw out your company’s supplement stock or ask for a shelf life extension?

In today’s article, we are going to talk about all things related to shelf life expiration and re-certifications. We will also talk about some of our white-label products. Let’s dive in.

Do Supplements Expire?

All supplements have a shelf life due to various factors including potency, health risks, and bacterial growth. (Shelf life varies from supplement to supplement.)

So, yes. Supplements can expire, but you can also request a shelf life extension if there is acceptable data showcasing that the supplement life can be extended past the original shelf life or not.

On average, supplements have a shelf life of 2-years according to the FDA.

Supplement Expiration Considerations

Although supplement life can be extended, there are a few factors to consider: potency and health risks. Here are some things to think about before extending (or not extending) the shelf life of your health products.

Potency

One factor that can be affected past the shelf life is potency. Does the product work like it should even after the expiration date? Has the potency of the product lessened?

Before applying for a shelf life extension, most suppliers should know if the potency of supplements or medication will be affected or not. Another factor to consider is if the product has been stored properly. If you’ve kept your supplements in a warm, moist place, they may have been exposed to too much moisture, which can cause them to break down and lose their effectiveness.

At Equinox Nutra, we know our supplements back to front. So if we need to apply for a shelf life re-certification, rest assured you know that the potency is still up to standard and will continue to give the same positive benefits as if it were fresh off the line.

Health Risks

If a drug has degraded or is not stored in the right conditions, expired medication or supplements can cause health risks for consumers. As a consumer, it’s always important to know the risks of anything that you consume, but if a medication goes through rigorous testing to get its shelf life re-certified, the chances of health risks are low.

By working with us, we promise to only bring you top-quality supplements, that only bring your consumers positive health benefits. No risks. Our lab specialists work around the clock to keep your customers healthy—even if we request a supplement shelf life extension from the FDA.

How to Re-Certify (or Extend) Supplement Shelf Life

There is a shelf life to many supplements like multivitamins, but there are also ways to re-certify (or extend) the shelf life of your supplements. Through the FDA and GMP certifications, you can legally extend your supplements past the shelf life date if there is enough testing and data that proves that it is safe to do so.

About the Shelf Life Extension Program (SLEP)

Established in 1986, the FDA Shelf Life Extension Program was created in order to ensure emergency preparedness in the States. Additionally, some local and state governments also have their own stockpile of medications to stay prepared in the case of a regional emergency.

Because replacing the full stock of medication can be both costly and time-consuming for suppliers, this program enables companies to continue to sell products past the shelf life while adhering to consumer safety regulations.

To apply for SLEP, you must undergo periodic stability testing to ensure the potency and safety of products that have exceeded the recommended shelf life. If you want to learn more, visit the FDA’s website to see how you can start the shelf life re-certification process.

The Equinox Difference: Quality Supplements for a Healthier Tomorrow

At Equinox Nutra, we vow to only provide you with top-quality supplements with non-GMO ingredients each and every time. Some of our popular white-label supplements include:

Men’s Multivitamin

Our white-label multivitamin supplement is formulated to provide necessary essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals for men. Known to boost overall wellness and body functionality, this is one multivitamin you want to make sure to add to your shelves.
Contact Us

Women’s Multivitamin

Our Stock Women’s Multivitamin is formulated to provide all of the necessary essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals for female health. With ingredients like Folic Acid and Calcium Carbonate, this is a great vitamin to include as part of your supplement line.
Women’s Multivitamin

Vitamin C

Our White-Label Vitamin C Liposomal Supplement is full of antioxidants to improve the body’s overall immune system and prevents the damaging effects of free radicals. This supplement is especially effective when the cold season is in full swing. Ask us about our Vitamin C Supplement here.
Vitamin C

Glucosamine Joint Support

Our Glucosamine supplements are designed to help keep your cartilage healthy, even as your body’s natural levels of the compound drop with age. This product is also great for athletes or those with an active lifestyle in order to reduce the chance of injury and decrease the time to recover. Connect with us to order your supply of Glucosamine Joint Support.
Glucosmine

Tumeric & Forskolin Blend

Our White-Label Turmeric + Forskolin Supplement is one of our most popular supplements—and for a good reason! Our Turmeric + Forskolin Supplement supports joint health, blood flow, and healthy weight management. Contact us about this supplement today.
Turmeric + Forskolin

Partner with a Trusted Supplement Supplier

In conclusion, supplements do have an expiration date—but the shelf life can be extended by the FDA.

By working with a trusted supplement partner like Equinox Nutra, you know that every product you place on your shelf is safe to sell for individual consumption. Additionally, we handle working with the confusing FDA paperwork for you so you can get back to performing other value-added tasks within your business.

The vitamin and supplement industry is booming with Americans spending billions of dollars annually. People know that these multivitamins are critical in providing the necessary nutrients for optimal body performance. For example, older women know to take calcium for strengthening and supporting bones. People with general tiredness and depression know to take Vitamin b12 to feel better. You may wonder, what certifications are necessary for nutraceutical manufacturing to ensure safe and effective products? Here are insights.

GMP Certification

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) refers to the Food and Drug Administration regulations for nutraceutical manufacturing. These rules require manufacturers of medical devices, drug packagers, processors, and manufacturers to take the necessary measures to ensure the products are effective. They also check if the products are pure and safe for consumers.

With GMP regulations, manufacturers must consider a quality approach. This way, a company can reduce the risks of errors, mix-ups, and contamination. They ensure that consumers won’t purchase either dangerous or ineffective products. A firm that doesn’t comply with GMP regulations can face severe consequences. These may include fines, seizures, recalls, and other serious legal actions.

GMP regulations focus on complaint handling, personnel, record-keeping, process validation, equipment verification, cleanliness, and sanitation. Typically, most of these requirements are open-minded and general. They allow manufacturers to implement their essential controls. This means that a manufacturer is flexible. GMP regulations also need manufacturers to explain the requirements so consumers can understand.

Nutraceutical manufacturers must stay updated with the current technologies to comply with GMP regulations. It means a company shouldn’t use outdated methods to manage errors, mix-ups, and contamination prevention.

NSF Certification

National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is a non-profit organization that began in 1944. Its goal is to set standards for sanitation and safety, enhancing public health. Products with NSF certification mean:

• The product manufacturer uses FDA-approved raw materials
• The products aren’t prone to harmful chemical contamination
• The products went through various NSF testing, construction, design, and product performance

NSF is Independent and Credible

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency, meaning it isn’t politically motivated and sets its own standards. NSF regulation standards are trustworthy and acceptable because of their authenticity. For example, the creation of NSF standards involves health departments, industry experts, and other interested parties forming the NSF’s joint committee.

These professionals frequently meet to decide on the NSF’s standards. The committee aims to create helpful standards for the public. NSF’s thorough testing gives the public confidence when purchasing NSF-tested products. NSF has laboratories worldwide that must also receive accreditation for testing.

Kosher Certification

Kosher is a term that describes food or beverages that follow traditional dietary requirements for those of the Jewish faith. Apart from advocating for the Jewish community’s safety, these laws also signify compliance and devotion to the Jewish faith. While they may cater to a particular religion, study shows that many consumers prefer Kosher-certified products because of their safety and excellent quality. That said, Kosher Certification is essential for nutraceutical manufacturers.

With Kosher Certification, it’s necessary to evaluate the details of:

• The production method
• All ingredients available in a specific vitamin or supplement

The Kosher laws offer a detailed guide on what is acceptable. The OU Kosher and OK Koser organizations are a couple of the more recognizable symbols of certified kosher products. The regulations focus on tracing the raw ingredients of the products and the manufacturing process. Why should a nutraceutical manufacturer obtain Kosher Certification? Here are some fundamental reasons:

• To attain a competitive market advantage
• Improved profits
• Increased client leads
• Better productivity
• Reduced waste
• Streamlined processes
• Customer satisfaction

Kosher Certification shows consumers that a nutraceutical manufacturer follows all standards of traditional Jewish texts.

Halal Certification

Halal is a critical Muslim foundation, and many Muslims worldwide consider it a lifestyle. Typically, Halal application is in the food industry, but it’s also reaching other sectors such as the cosmetic industry. Halal in Muslim means “permissible” or “allowed.” It has become a crucial part of life for many Muslims. Halal-certified products are not only for Muslims but more and more people purchase them due to their quality and sustainability.

Manufacturers can show consumers that their products meet Halal rules and regulations with the Halal certifications. A nutraceutical manufacturer can obtain the Halal certification from an experienced and qualified third-party organization. Such experts should understand Shariah’s Halal product requirement and have food science knowledge. Such expertise ensures they can test products thoroughly and determine whether they are Halal.

For a product to be Halal-certified, the manufacturing process needs to fulfill these four fundamental principles:

• Composition
• Integrity
• Traceability
• Sanitation

Obtaining Halal Certification

Getting Halal certification involves performing company audits by evaluating the quality of the firm’s production system. Experts examine the final factory samples to decide whether they’re Halal. They also assess the individuals involved in different production stages, including processing and distribution. The certification procedure involves several phases, such as:

• Certificate application
• Documentation review
• 1st audit (To correct crucial findings)
• 2nd audit (To correct critical findings)
• Examination and opinion
• Issuing of initial certification
• Yearly renovation audit
• Yearly certification insurance

Organic Certification

Organic certification is crucial for nutraceutical manufacturers, with consumers increasingly seeking natural and sustainably sourced products. The licensing ensures that companies comply with the standards of organic regulations. They ensure the company or manufacturer provides consumers with sustainable, environmentally friendly, and high-quality nutraceuticals. Organic Certification demands proper equipment cleaning and documentation of ingredient sourcing.

Manufacturers need to have a detailed plan on contamination prevention from prohibited and non-organic substances. Products with Organic Certification show that the manufacturer followed the USDA stringent measures during the manufacturing process, and the products are safe for consumers.

For example, the USDA doesn’t approve manufacturing methods that involve irradiation (using radiation to sanitize), sewage sludge or biosolids (to fertilize plants), and genetic engineering (genetically changing food). Also, organic products should not contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

The USDA has an up-to-date National Lists of organic and non-organic substances that pass organic product manufacturing. A company that doesn’t have Organic Certification shouldn’t include the USDA Organic Seal and the product shouldn’t have an organic label claim.

Obtaining Organic Certification

Obtaining organic certification involves submitting an application to the USDA-certified agent and paying the necessary fees. After reviewing the application, the agent performs an on-site inspection of operations, processes, and the applicant’s facility. If the applicant meets the USDA’s regulations, the agent issues an Organic Certification.

The above-outlined certifications are essential for nutraceutical manufacturers. Companies in the industry should meet them to ensure a smooth operation. These licenses assure consumers that the products they purchase are safe for consumption.