Pine bark functional ingredient achieves GMP certification
Certification for Pycnogenol, which is exclusively distributed for food, beverage and cosmetics formulations worldwide by Horphag Research, will allow the manufacturer to play up the quality of its products amidst increasing regulator scrutiny of ingredients and supplements.
Victor Ferrari, chief executive officer of Horphag Research, claimed that the decision of the French Health Products Safety Agency (AFSSAPS) to grant the certification was a reflection of the company’s commitments to quality and safety.
The ingredient has been linked in testing to having strong antioxidant qualities.
“We have already been adhering to strict GMPs in order to produce a high batch to batch consistency of Pycnogenol, while following rigid quality controls during each stage of production,” Ferrari stated.
GMP legislation, which exists in similar forms at US, EU and even World Health Organisation (WHO) level, is designed to boost standards in ingredient and supplement manufacturing. The regulations are designed to set out a variety of standards for producers to allow inspectors to check purity, safety and legality in manufacturing.
To meet these standards, Horphag Research says that large investments have been made at the Pycnogenol production plant in France, which is operated by the Biolandes group.
The company claims that the spending has bought production of the ingredient in line with GMP standards, while also ensuring it can handle increasing global demand for the product.
“The manufacturing facility is located in south-western France and is surrounded by the maritime pine forests. Incidentally, no toxic substances are being released or used during the manufacturing process,” Horphag Research stated.
Supplement ingredient suppliers around the world are making moves to have their facilities GMP certified, in a bid to facilitate their customers and ensure their own products come with the extra quality seal that will differentiate them in a competitive market.
