Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQ page to learn more about our services.

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General About SGS Nutrasource

What is SGS Nutrasource? 

SGS Nutrasource is a global contract research and consulting organization (CRO) that provides end-to-end regulatory, clinical research, testing, and certification services to companies across the health, nutrition, and life sciences sectors. Our expertise helps brands scientifically substantiate their products, navigate global regulatory requirements, and build credibility through trusted third-party certification. Learn more. 

How is SGS Nutrasource different from other testing or consulting firms? 

SGS Nutrasource is unique in that we integrate scientific research, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, analytical testing, and third-party certification within a single organization - eliminating the need for multiple vendors. This end-to-end approach helps brands move faster, reduce risk, and build lasting trust with regulators, retailers, and consumers. 

Does SGS Nutrasource support pharmaceutical products? 

Yes. While the Nutrasource name reflects our roots in nutrition science, SGS Nutrasource also provides clinical research, scientific, analytical, and regulatory support for pharmaceutical products and drug development programs. Read more. 

Certifications & Programs

Is third party testing mandatory? 

While third party testing is not a mandated requirement, many retailers, distributors, and commercial partners may require testing as a condition of sale or market access. Additionally, obtaining a product certification has many benefits, such as; a competitive edge in the market, proof behind transparency and purity claims, positive influence on customer purchasing decisions, and is favourable by consumers in many regions worldwide. Learn more about third party testing here. 

What does the IFOS™ certification verify? 

IFOS™ (International Fish Oil Standards) verifies omega-3 products against quality, purity, safety, and freshness parameters. Read more about IFOS™. 

What does the IGEN™ certification verify? 

IGEN™ (International Genetically Modified Organism) verifies non-GMO status through supply-chain traceability, testing, and documentation. Read more about IGEN™. 

What does the NutraStrong™ Prebiotic Verified certification verify? 

NutraStrong™ Prebiotic Verified ensures that products certified utilize high-quality, efficacious prebiotic ingredients. This program is backed by the Global Prebiotic Association. Read more about NutraStrong™. 

What does the NutraStrong™ Collagen Verified certification verify? 

NutraStrong™ Collagen Verified confirms that products utilize science-backed collagen ingredients with transparent sourcing and responsible formulation. This program is supported by the Collagen Stewardship Alliance. Read more about NutraStrong™. 

What does IKOS™ verify? 

The IKOS™ (International Krill Oil Standards) Program is the only third-party testing and certification program exclusively for krill oils. IKOS™ tests products by lot, using direct analysis, for omega-3 and astaxanthin content, contaminants, and freshness. Read more about IKOS™. 

What does IAOS™ verify? 

The IAOS™ (International Algal Oil Standards) tests algal products to the highest quality, safety, and purity standards in the world. They are tested against standards for active ingredient content, contaminants, and stability. Read more about IAOS™. 

What does IPRO™ verify? 

IPRO™ (International Probiotic Standards) is a certification specifically designed for probiotic ingredients and finished products. IPRO™ showcases how probiotics are manufactured, handled, tested, stored, shipped, and labeled. IPRO™ tests for microbes, heavy metal count, disintegration for capsules and total probiotic count. Read more about IPRO™. 

What does RTCP™ verify? 

RTCP (Radioactivity Tested & Certified™ Program) tests products for detectable presence of the principal radionuclides associated with accidents involving nuclear reactors (I-131, Cs-134, Cs-137). The program is designed to address consumer demand for additional safety in products being used or consumed by the public. Read more about RTCP™. 

Testing & Analytical Services

What types of testing does SGS Nutrasource provide? 

Services include identity, purity, potency, contaminants, stability, and label claim verification, depending on the product and market. Learn more. 

Are SGS Nutrasource laboratories accredited? 

Yes. SGS Nutrasource utilizes laboratories operating under internationally recognized accreditation and quality standards for its testing services. 

Can SGS Nutrasource test both raw ingredients and finished products? 

Yes. Testing services are available for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products. 

Regulatory & Scientific Support

Does SGS Nutrasource help with regulatory compliance? 

Yes. Regulatory services support compliance across multiple markets, including the U.S., Canada, the EU, and other global regions. Learn more. 

Can SGS Nutrasource support clinical or scientific research? 

Yes. We can design, manage, and execute your clinical trial. SGS Nutrasource is capable of conducting and overseeing all phases of clinical trials, from early clinical development/Phase I, Phase II/III, and Phase IV, and take a strategic approach to site selection study placement and management from single-site trials to multi-centre, multi-country trials. Read more.

Can SGS Nutrasource review product labels and claims? 

Yes. Label and claim reviews help align products with applicable regulatory requirements. Explore this service. 

What support does the SGS Nutrasource quality team provide after receiving a warning letter or inspection findings?

Following a warning letter, inspection findings, or regulatory observations, our team works with you to assess the identified gaps, determine root causes, and develop a strategic remediation plan. We support CAPA development and management, documentation updates, SOP remediation, inspection response preparation, and broader Quality Management System improvements to help address compliance concerns effectively. Our goal is not only to support immediate response efforts, but also to strengthen long-term quality and inspection readiness moving forward.

What services does SGS Nutrasource's quality team provide after an audit?

Following completion of an audit, our team provides a detailed audit report outlining observations, identified risks, and areas requiring corrective action. We work collaboratively with your team to prioritize findings, develop CAPAs, and implement remediation strategies where needed. Depending on the scope of support required, we can also assist with follow-up activities, process improvements, documentation updates, and ongoing quality oversight to help strengthen long-term compliance and operational readiness. 

Can SGS Nutrasource support international quality expectations?

Yes. In addition to supporting FDA and Health Canada requirements, our team has experience supporting organizations operating within regulatory frameworks across Europe and Asia. We help clients navigate varying quality and compliance expectations through risk assessments, QMS support, audit services, inspection readiness, and tailored quality strategies designed to align with both regional and global regulatory requirements. 

Can your quality team support our manufacturing expansion or company growth?

Yes. As organizations grow, expand manufacturing operations, onboard new suppliers, or enter new markets, quality and compliance requirements become increasingly complex. Our team supports operational growth by helping strengthen Quality Management Systems, develop scalable SOPs, conduct supplier and manufacturing audits, establish governance frameworks, and ensure inspection readiness throughout expansion activities. Whether you are scaling existing operations or entering new regions, we help build quality systems designed to support sustainable growth. 

What industries and product categories does your quality team specialize in?

Our knowledgeable team has expertise in supporting:

  • Nutraceuticals
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Medical Devices
  • Animal Products

Clinical Trial Services

What should I look for when interviewing CROs?

When choosing a Contract Research Organization to run your trial, there are several important factors to consider. We recommend all sponsors assess the following:

Experience:

Experience goes beyond years in business - it is defined by the strength of the team and the continuity of knowledge within an organization. At SGS Nutrasource, our team has collectively completed more than 1,300 clinical trials across 40+ indications, bringing deep expertise and operational consistency to every stage of the research process. Our staff retention rate is approximately 90%, compared to an industry average of 75–80%, helping ensure that valuable knowledge, experience, and best practices remain within our organization. This combination of expertise, continuity, and proven execution enables us to deliver studies efficiently and reliably, supporting successful outcomes for our clients.

Transparency:
True transparency is not a claim; it is something to be demonstrated. CROs that quickly agree to scope without fully understanding requirements, or that provide overly optimistic timelines and budgets, can be a concern. Real transparency is reflected in realistic timelines, accurate cost assessments, and clear recruitment planning. SGS Nutrasource prioritizes honest, grounded communication to ensure expectations align with what can be delivered. Our team is committed to providing candid, professional guidance that supports stronger study outcomes, even when it involves challenging conversations.

Communication:
A key consideration is how communication is structured throughout the study. “Too many hands in the pot” can lead to fragmented messaging when multiple CRO representatives provide updates without clear ownership. At SGS Nutrasource, each study is supported by a dedicated point of contact who oversees communication end-to-end. This ensures continuity, accountability, and a deep understanding of the study throughout all phases, keeping sponsors and project teams aligned from start to finish.

Should I publish my study results?

When deciding whether to publish study results, it is important to weigh both strategic and contractual considerations. One advantage of working with SGS Nutrasource is the flexibility we offer as publication decisions remain with the sponsor. On the contrary, academic partnerships often include publishing requirements built into contracts. Publishing can be valuable for marketing, claim substantiation, increasing scientific awareness, and improving receptiveness to a product or ingredient. However, it is also important to consider whether making the data public could create opportunities for competitors to access and potentially use the findings. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how you want the data to be used: whether its value is maximized through visibility and credibility in the public domain, or through more controlled, internal use.

Industries & Markets

Does SGS Nutrasource work with pet nutrition products? 

Yes. SGS Nutrasource supports pet food and pet supplement products with testing, and scientific services. Read more. 

Does SGS Nutrasource support global markets? 

Yes. Through SGS’s global presence, SGS Nutrasource supports products intended for international distribution. 

Process & Timelines

How long does testing or certification take? 

Timelines vary depending on the service, product type, and scope. Estimated timelines are provided during project scoping. 

Can SGS Nutrasource work with small or emerging brands? 

Yes. SGS Nutrasource has scalable offerings used by early-stage companies as well as large multinational organizations. We offer both full-service and standalone options to support all business models. 

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