January 20, 2009 – The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is pleased to announce the publication of its newest white paper, “Heavy metal analysis and interim recommended limits for botanical dietary supplements,” which provides industry with information critical to successful compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (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:
- Regulations concerning lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic in products sold in the U.S.
- Daily limits set for these chemicals by U.S. and international regulatory agencies
- Available analytical methods for measuring heavy metals
- Guidance on how to determine which analytical methods are most suitable for dietary supplements
- 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.
The white 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 1pm ET, 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 McGuffin. “The webinar and white paper – produced with the guidance and assistance of members of AHPA’s Educational and Standards Committees, respectively – are practical tools to help meet this goal.”
Register for the webinar by Jan. 21 at http://www.bostonconferencing.com/ahpa/register. If you have questions or would like to join AHPA, please contact Devon Powell at 301-588-1171 x102 or dpowell@ahpa.org.
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is the only national trade association devoted to herbal issues. Representing the core of the botanical trade—comprised of the finest growers, processors, manufacturers and marketers of herbal products—our mission is to promote the responsible commerce of herbal products. AHPA committees generate self-regulations to ensure the highest level of quality with respect to the way herbal products are manufactured, labeled, and sold. Website: www.ahpa.org.