NSF International’s Shanghai Lab Accredited

NSF International’s Shanghai testing laboratory has been granted ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the China National Accreditation Service, indicating that the lab follows internationally recognized lab quality-management practices. The lab’s accredited, third-party testing and certification services include active-ingredient and nutritional ingredient testing, as well as testing for microbiological and metal contaminants and pesticides and solvent residue.

NSF says that more than 60% of dietary supplement ingredients sold in the United States are imported from China. A recent survey by the United Natural Products Alliance on more than 1,000 consumers found that more than 63% of respondents would be less likely to buy a China-sourced dietary supplement. Therefore, NSF says, its Shanghai testing laboratory “can help resolve these concerns by providing accredited testing services to verify the safety and quality of dietary ingredients against U.S. and European standards prior to their leaving the country.”

“Instead of relying either on tests provided by China or post-shipment tests, U.S. manufacturers can now test the quality of Chinese raw materials prior to shipment through NSF International’s accredited laboratory in Shanghai,” stated Jeff Crowther, executive director of the trade-promoting organization the U.S.-China Health Products Association.

“American and European dietary supplement companies source a majority of their raw ingredients from Chinese suppliers. NSF International’s Shanghai laboratory can help companies source safer, higher-quality ingredients while helping Chinese dietary ingredient manufacturers identify themselves as good suppliers to global companies,” added Lori Bestervelt, PhD, NSF International senior vice president and chief technical officer, in a press statement.