Expert Strategy & Guides: Finished Product Testing
What are the three essential laboratory tests performed on every finished batch of dietary supplements?
The three essential laboratory tests performed on every finished batch of dietary supplements are 1. Identity Testing (ensuring the ingredients match the formula), 2. Purity/Contaminant Testing (checking for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes), and 3. Potency/Assay Testing (verifying the active ingredient concentration meets the claim on the Supplement Facts panel). Quality Supplement Manufacturing provides a verifiable Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every production run.
Your customers trust that what is printed on the label is exactly what is inside the bottle. For a supplement brand, this trust is non-negotiable. That’s why the final stage of quality control—finished product testing—is the last, most critical line of defense before a product reaches the market.
At Quality Supplement Manufacturing, our finished product testing protocols adhere to strict cGMP (21 CFR Part 111) standards, utilizing both in-house QC and independent third-party laboratories. This dual-verification process ensures unmatched accuracy and consumer confidence.
The Three Essential Pillars of Finished Product Testing
Every batch of supplements that leaves our facility must pass these three foundational tests:
1. Potency / Assay Testing (Is the ingredient amount correct?)
The Goal: To verify the amount of the active ingredients measured in the finished product matches the claim made on the Supplement Facts panel.
The Method: We use advanced techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to precisely measure the concentration of vitamins, minerals, and complex botanicals.
The Value for Your Brand: This test prevents under-dosing, which is a common cause of consumer complaints and regulatory scrutiny. It guarantees efficacy and protects your brand’s reputation.
2. Purity / Contaminant Testing (Is the product safe?)
The Goal: To confirm the finished supplement is free from harmful levels of contaminants that could be introduced during sourcing or manufacturing.
The Method: This involves stringent testing for:
Heavy Metals: Checking for four primary elements (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, and Cadmium), often adhering to stringent standards like California Prop 65.
Microbial Contaminants: Ensuring the product is free from pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and excessive yeast/mold.
Pesticide Residue: Essential for natural or organic products to verify that environmental toxins are absent.
The Value for Your Brand: Purity testing is non-negotiable risk mitigation, preventing recalls and ensuring consumer safety.
3. Identity Testing (Is the ingredient what it should be?)
The Goal: To confirm that all materials in the finished capsule or tablet are indeed the correct ingredients. While raw materials are tested upon entry, the finished product test confirms final integrity.
The Method: This includes disintegration testing (to ensure the capsule or tablet breaks down correctly for absorption) and comparative analysis to the original formula specifications.
The Value for Your Brand: Guarantees the stability of the final blend and confirms homogeneity across the entire batch.
The Certificate of Analysis (COA): Your Evidence of Quality
For every batch produced, Quality Supplement Manufacturing provides a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA). This document acts as your legal and scientific evidence, detailing the results of the final laboratory tests performed.
This transparency empowers your brand to prove quality to retailers, distributors, and consumers alike.
Ready to partner with a manufacturer that guarantees excellence through verifiable testing?
