NOW Foods Adopts DNA Sequencing to Verify Botanical Identity Across Its Ingredient Portfolio

NOW Foods has implemented what it reportedly describing as a next-generation DNA sequencing laboratory at its Sparks, NV facility, generating sequencing data in-house that feeds directly into a commercial-grade analysis platform developed by botanical genomics company LeafWorks.¹

The arrangement is intended to strengthen species-level identity verification across NOW's portfolio of more than 2,000 ingredients. For finished product manufacturers evaluating quality control infrastructure, the collaboration illustrates a model in which a single company can generate its own sequencing data without independently building the bioinformatics systems historically required to interpret it.

"What's exciting about this model is that it lowers the barrier to adopting advanced DNA testing," said Kerin Law, co-founder and chief scientific officer of LeafWorks. "Companies can generate sequencing data in-house and plug directly into our analysis platform without needing to build complex bioinformatics systems themselves. This unique combination of accessibility and rigor is an entirely new model of testing to move the industry forward."

Why Have Earlier DNA Barcoding Methods Struggled with Botanical Identity Testing?

DNA-based identity testing has been available to the natural products industry for more than a decade, primarily through universal DNA barcoding approaches. According to LeafWorks, these earlier methods were not originally designed for commercial application and have relied on uncurated databases and marker sets that often fail to deliver consistent, species-level identification in processed or multi-ingredient products.

Botanical raw materials frequently undergo significant physical and chemical transformation during processing, which can degrade DNA quality and complicate identification using methods built primarily for fresh or minimally processed plant tissue.

LeafWorks describes its platform as built specifically around species-targeted genomic methods and authenticated reference materials, distinguishing it from first-generation barcoding approaches. The company has positioned next-generation sequencing as more capable of supporting reliable identification across complex botanical blends, an application area where chemistry-based and microscopy-based identity methods have also historically faced limitations, since overlapping chemical profiles and processing artifacts can obscure species-specific markers under those approaches.¹

How Significant Is the Adulteration Problem That Botanical Identity Testing Is Meant to Address?

Botanical adulteration, whether intentional substitution or the unintended result of complex global sourcing chains, has been documented at substantial rates across the natural products supply chain.

A review compiled by the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program found documented adulteration rates ranging from approximately 16.5% to 56.7% across five widely used botanical ingredients, based on an analysis of 78 published studies and nearly 3,000 samples.² These figures illustrate why identity verification remains an active quality control investment area for ingredient suppliers and finished product manufacturers, particularly for botanicals with known adulteration histories or sister species difficult to distinguish using non-genomic methods.

Reliable species identification also ties directly to regulatory compliance. Under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements for dietary supplements, codified at 21 CFR Part 111, manufacturers must verify the identity of dietary ingredients, typically through at least one scientifically valid identity test.³ DNA-based testing is one method increasingly used to satisfy that requirement, particularly where visual or chemical methods alone may not provide adequate species-level resolution.

What Does the NOW and LeafWorks Collaboration Change Operationally?

The structure of this collaboration separates two functions that have historically been bundled together in commercial DNA testing services: the generation of sequencing data and the bioinformatics interpretation of that data.

By establishing in-house sequencing capacity at its Nevada facility, NOW generates its own raw genomic data, which is then processed through LeafWorks' existing analytical platform rather than requiring NOW to develop independent bioinformatics infrastructure. Because sequence data is inherently digital, this workflow allows for centralized, scalable interpretation across high sample volumes without each generating site needing its own full analytical pipeline.

"We are always looking for ways to strengthen our quality systems and ensure the integrity of our products," said Maria Mendres, microbiology manager at NOW. "Incorporating next-generation DNA sequencing for genomic-level identification adds another valuable tool to our testing program, enhancing our ability to verify botanical identity. The number of species we can test for simultaneously is unique to DNA and LeafWorks' platform, making it a good fit for NOW with over 2,000 ingredients."

References

1. NOW Foods. NOW & LeafWorks advance botanical identity testing [press release]. June 22, 2026. https://www.nowfoods.com/about-now/press-room/press-releases/now-leafworks-advance-botanical-identity-testing

2. American Botanical Council. New BAPP paper reveals challenges in determining adulteration rates for popular botanical ingredients. September 10, 2024. Accessed June 23, 2026. https://www.herbalgram.org/news/press-releases/2024/new-bapp-paper-reveals-challenges-in-determining-adulteration-rates-for-popular-botanical-ingredients/

3. United States Food and Drug Administration. Current Good Manufacturing Practice in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding operations for dietary supplements, 21 CFR Part 111. Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-111