What does GMP/GMP manufacturing mean?
GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices. GMP is a national production and testing practice enforced by the FDA that helps ensure a quality product and label accuracy. We follow current FDA regulations for GMPs to manufacture and distribute dietary supplements. GMPs set the standards for testing and manufacturing including:
- Raw materials quality assurance
- Record keeping of substances throughout the manufacturing process
- Standards for cleanliness and safety
- Qualifications of manufacturing personnel
- Finished product specifications
- Production and process controls
How are your products regulated?
Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). The FDA inspects manufacturing facilities, reviews labeling for accuracy and the inclusion of required information, and monitors products for safety by requiring manufacturers to report serious adverse events to the FDA.
The FTC has authority over advertising and marketing claims, challenging claims that are misleading, not truthful or not substantiated with credible scientific evidence.
Where are your products made?
We are proud to say that nearly all of our current products are manufactured right here in the USA at our manufacturing plant in Hauppauge, New York. We make every effort to purchase products and ingredients from U.S.-based suppliers, but we do source globally.
Are any of your products vegetarian, vegan, kosher or gluten-free?
Many of our products have an AVA (American Vegetarian Association) vegetarian and/or vegan certification. Those statements can be found on the label of the individual product. Whenever possible, we certify kosher through a nationally recognized organization—KOF-K. Products with this certification will say “YES KOSHER PARVE” or “YES KOSHER DAIRY” on the back of the label or box. We are also proud to say that our entire line of supplements is certified gluten-free by theGluten-Free Certification Organization, and our manufacturing facility is certified gluten-free as well.
What is a “proprietary blend”?
A proprietary blend is a combination of ingredients that is exclusive to a manufacturer. Even though these blends are proprietary, we list every ingredient in the interest of full disclosure. However, we do not list the absolute amounts of each ingredient because the specific formula is considered the company’s intellectual property.
I’m allergic to X. Is this ingredient in any of your products?
At Country Life, we take potential allergens seriously. We include “NO” statements on every product label to inform you of ingredients not in product, including: yeast, corn, wheat, soy, gluten, milk, salt, sugar, preservatives, artificial color, artificial flavor, artificial sweeteners, GMOS, and Magnesium Stearate (if it is not on this list, it has not been reviewed). Additionally, we list 8 common allergens on dietary supplement labels. These 8 allergens are: eggs, fish, peanuts, milk, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat and soybeans. If a product contains any of these ingredients, they are clearly labeled.
Do any of your products contain genetically-modified materials?
We at Country Life are in strong support of the Non-GMO Project and are committed to providing products that are non-GMO (not genetically modified). Within each category, we already have several non-GMO options, and are in the process of getting these Non-GMO Project verified. These products are marked “No GMOs” on the side of our labels. For the rest of our line, we are currently undergoing the process of reviewing every product we offer. Due to the fact we offer you over 600 products, with each containing as many as 30 ingredients, this intensive and comprehensive review is a very large undertaking. We are looking to complete our review within the next several years.
How does Country Life measure the weight of minerals in its products?
Country Life always labels minerals in elemental weight.
Do your products comply with Proposition 65 safety requirements?
Yes, over 95% of our products comply with Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement act of 1986.
Why don’t all of your products comply with Prop 65?
All of the lead in our products originates from naturally occurring sources in the environment. Naturally occurring lead can be found in dietary supplement ingredients such as milk (whey), cocoa and citrus fruits. Country Life makes every effort to deliver products with less than 0.5 mcg of lead (to comply with Prop 65), however due to varying levels in natural products or large serving size, it is not always possible. All products that do not comply with Proposition 65 are clearly marked on the bottle.<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>All of the lead in our products originates from naturally occurring sources in the environment. Naturally occurring lead can be found in dietary supplement ingredients such as milk (whey), cocoa and citrus fruits. Country Life makes every effort to deliver products with less than 0.5 mcg of lead (to comply with Prop 65), however due to varying levels in natural products or large serving size, it is not always possible. All products that do not comply with Proposition 65 are clearly marked on the bottle.
More Questions? Get in Touch
Call us at 800.645.5768