AHPA Releases White Paper on Heavy Metals

AHPA (Silver Spring, MD) announced its paper, “Heavy metal analysis and interim recommended limits for botanical dietary supplements,” on January 20. The paper provides industry with information on successful compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP).

AHPA’s white paper presents the association’s proposed interim limits for lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, which were announced in October 2008, with accompanying explanations as to how these limits were determined. Additionally, the document addresses:

1) Regulations concerning lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic in products sold in the U.S.
2) Daily limits set for these chemicals by U.S. and international regulatory agencies
3) Available analytical methods for measuring heavy metals guidance on how to determine which analytical methods are most suitable for dietary supplements
4) Selecting a contract lab that can properly conduct heavy metal testing

“Heavy metal analysis and interim recommended limits for botanical dietary supplements” is available for purchase by non-members at AHPA’s online bookstore. If you are an AHPA member, you may login and then download your free copy here: http://www.ahpa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=211>

The paper will also be provided free to registrants of AHPA’s upcoming webinar, “Setting and Meeting Specifications for Contaminants in Finished Products Under cGMP.” Scheduled for Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. EST, the webinar will expand upon the information in the white paper and also address California’s Proposition 65, certificates of analysis, liability concerns and additional contaminants including mycotoxins and pesticides.

“AHPA’s goal is to help excellent companies of all sizes come into compliance with cGMP and continue producing superior, health-promoting products for consumers,” said Michael McGuffin, AHPA president.