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Why IFOS?
With growing contamination concerns for the consumer, and recent clinical data suggesting the negative
effects of mercury and PCB’s from edible marine sources, the IFOS program continues to grow in popularity
and prove its value as a reliable source for third party validation. Consumers are becoming increasingly
aware of the many clinically established health benefits of omega-3, but are equally concerned with
contamination issues. The IFOS program delivers a suitable venue for the omega-3 supplement industry to
showcase credible product sources.
How Does IFOS compare to other certification programs like ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ and 'ISO
9000 Series'?
The IFOS Program is concerned with the quality of omega-3 products as it relates to the international
standards established by the World Health Organization and the Council For Responsible Nutrition for
purity and concentration. The GMP and ISO certifications are concerned with the manufacturing protocols
and consistency of manufacturing procedures behind the making of the omega-3 product. Quality of omega-3
product and quality of the manufacturing behind the omega-3 product are two very different things. If a
manufacturer is ISO certified, it means they follow the same guidelines each time they make the same product
line and that each step is documented and followed. That does not mean the omega-3 product is of high purity
and high concentration.
What is the IFOS Certification Mark?
For no additional charges, brands may apply for and use the IFOS Certification Mark on their product labels.
The purpose of the Certification Mark is to further demonstrate for consumers that a product line has been
tested by the IFOS Program. Companies must submit a minimum of 85% of all batches produced in order to be
eligible to use the Certification Mark - most companies using the Certification Mark test 100% of the
batches produced. If any batches are skipped, the company must produce a Certificate of Analysis from their
supply chain confirming that the batch is compliant with IFOS testing standards. In some instances, there is
a time lag between the production of a batch and an IFOS Program consumer report. In those instances, the
company is allowed to continue to use the Certification Mark on the corresponding labels until the IFOS
rating for that particular batch is confirmed.
Why does IFOS choose the CRN and WHO standards over other standards such as European
Pharmacopoeia?
IFOS is an international program, and the WHO and CRN standards are internationally recognized bodies in
every country where omega-3 products are sold as the standards for purity. IFOS provides a one stop solution
for consumers and omega-3 product promoters in every country for a world wide benchmark of compliance.
Why is third party validation testing important?
All manufacturers of omega-3 product have a
certificate of analysis for each batch they make. IFOS, as a third party testing service, will verify that
the manufacturer’s certificate of analysis is factually correct which provides the added comfort that you are
feeding premium product to yourself and your family. Flavoring, bottling, lack of nitrogen purging and many
other factors may contribute to the degradation of an oil from initial manufacturing to the shelf. The IFOS
program tests all batches as finished product, in the same format a consumer would purchase the product.
Certificates of analysis from a manufacturer do not necessarily represent the testing results for finished
product.
Why Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc.?
Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc. (“NDI”) is on the cutting edge of research, blood testing and fish oil testing as
it relates to omega-3. NDI has tested thousands of human and fish oil samples for omega-3 levels, and its
scientific advisory has consulted for some of the biggest names in fish oil manufacturing, distributing and
retailing. In addition, NDI scientists have advised health ministries in various countries, as well as companies
involved with the Council For Responsible Nutrition Voluntary Monograph, which outlines international standards
for safe levels of contaminants in omega-3 enriched products.
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