Redefining Quality Control.

Even when working with manufacturers accredited to the highest standards, there’s always more that can be done to ensure the highest level of quality control and consequently bolster customer confidence. That’s why Supplement Factory is redefining quality assurance by delivering precise, reliable and transparent results through advanced high-precision testing across multiple critical areas.

What Tests Do We Conduct?.

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Microbiological Testing

Microbiological testing is a vital quality control measure that ensures supplements are free from harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast and mold. This process detects dangerous pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, which can pose serious health risks if present in a product.

For supplement brands, rigorous microbiological testing is essential for protecting consumer health by preventing foodborne illnesses linked to microbial contamination. Beyond safety, it also plays a crucial role in preserving product stability and shelf life. Microbial contaminants like mold and bacteria can lead to product degradation over time, compromising both efficacy and safety. By identifying potential risks early, we can help prevent spoilage, uphold quality standards and ensure the long-term integrity of your supplements.

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Heavy Metal Testing

Heavy metal testing is the process of detecting and quantifying toxic metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, in supplements. 

Even trace amounts of these metals can pose significant health risks if consumed over time. Indeed, many heavy metals can build up in the body, potentially causing long-term health problems such as neurological damage, kidney issues and developmental delays. Through our rigorous testing, you can verify that your products contain no harmful levels of these metals, thus protecting consumers from potential harm.

Heavy metal testing is also vital for regulatory compliance. Agencies, such as the FDA and the World Health Organisation, enforce strict limits on the concentration of heavy metals in supplements, and if you fail to comply with these standards you could face costly legal repercussions, product recalls, and fines.

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Nutritional & Active Ingredient Analysis

Nutritional and active ingredient analysis is the process of identifying and quantifying the key components in a supplement, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and other bioactive compounds. This testing ensures that the supplement contains the exact amounts of ingredients listed on the label, as well as verifies that these ingredients are bioavailable and effective at the specified dosages.

By testing for the correct levels and bioavailability of active ingredients, you can confirm that your supplement will achieve the desired physiological or physical effects, whether it’s boosting energy, supporting immune health or enhancing muscle recovery. Being able to prove the effectiveness of your product is crucial for fostering consumer trust and cultivating long-term brand loyalty, as customers expect the same potency with every purchase.

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Stability & Shelf-Life Testing

Stability and shelf-life testing evaluates a supplement’s ability to preserve its potency, effectiveness and safety over time under various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity and light exposure. This testing measures how the active ingredients, nutrients and overall formulation degrade or remain stable over extended periods, helping to determine the product’s expiration date and ensuring that it retains its intended quality and effectiveness throughout its shelf life.

If your supplement degrades over time, whether through loss of potency or changes in composition, it may fail to deliver the intended health benefits. Stability testing, therefore, ensures that your product will perform as expected up until the expiration date, offering consumers a product that is both safe and effective.

Moreover, regulatory bodies often require stability data as part of the product approval process, especially for products intended for international distribution. By conducting thorough stability testing, you can mitigate the risk of regulatory issues when launching your product on a global scale.

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Adulteration & Contaminant Screening

Adulteration and contaminant screening is the process of testing supplements for the presence of unwanted substances, including illegal additives, fillers or contaminants that may have been introduced during manufacturing, packaging or storage. This testing detects substances that are not listed on the product label, such as synthetic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides or other harmful compounds that could pose risks to consumer health. 

The presence of unapproved additives or contaminants can lead to adverse health effects, ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe toxic responses. By conducting this testing, you can ensure that your brand’s products are free from any harmful substances that could compromise consumer health and consequently destroy the marketability of your brand as a whole.

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Label Claim Verification

Label claim verification is the process of confirming that the ingredients, doses and health benefits listed on a supplement’s label are accurate and match the actual contents of the product. 

Accurate labeling helps ensure that your customers are getting exactly what they expect from your product. In the highly competitive supplement industry, where consumers are not afraid to shun a product if it fails to live up to their expectation, it is vital that your brand delivers on its promises.

Consumers aren’t the only ones concerned with the accuracy of your supplement label. Regulatory bodies like the FDA, EFSA, and other health authorities mandate that supplements accurately reflect their contents. Failing to meet these requirements could lead to legal repercussions, product recalls and significant damage to your brand’s reputation.

Accredited to the Highest Standards.

UKAS, or the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, is the UK’s National Accreditation Body, appointed by the government to assess and accredit organisations that offer certification, testing, inspection, calibration, validation and verification services. Meanwhile, ISO17025 is an internationally recognised standard that defines the general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their testing.

In simpler terms, we work exclusively with laboratories that meet the highest standards, ensuring your products are tested with the utmost accuracy and reliability.

Global Expertise.

Failing to surround yourself with a quality control team with global experience puts your brand at risk of stagnated growth further down the line. We see your brand not just thriving in one market, but expanding into a strong, flourishing presence across multiple territories, and SF:Lab has been specifically designed to reflect that.

We offer external testing to ensure compliance with regulatory standards across multiple countries, including the UK, EU, and USA. This helps you avoid costly legal issues, product recalls, fines and potentially irreversible reputational damage, allowing you to focus on celebrating your brand’s success and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to manufacture with you? More

    No, you don’t need to manufacture with us! SF:Lab provides external testing services for any supplement brand or manufacturer, regardless of where your products are made.

  • How much does each test cost? More

    The cost depends on the type of external testing, the number of tests and the complexity of the analysis. We will provide you with a customised quote tailored to your specific requirements.

  • What is the lead time? More

    Turnaround time varies based on the type of suites of testing required. Most standard tests are completed within 10–15 business days; however, some specialised tests may take longer.

  • What products do you test? More

    We conduct external testing on a wide range of products, including dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, protein powders, pre-workouts, gummy products and other nutraceuticals.