Dietary supplements are specific products that, although often associated with pharmacy, are subject to food regulations. The producer is obliged to follow certain procedures, and the process of producing and introducing supplements consists of several steps. We often reach for this kind of product to improve the quality of our health and well-being, but it’s good to know why they are available in our pharmacy or store.
Dietary supplements – what should you know?
The role of dietary supplements is to supplement our diet with the missing vitamins and minerals. They contain concentrated amounts of minerals, can be rich in plant extracts, probiotics or prebiotics, and the most important vitamins and microelements. They are available on the market in the form of:
- tablets or pills,
- hard capsules,
- soft capsules,
- sachets with powder for dissolving,
- syrups,
- drops.
Their introduction to the market and for sale is subject to the provisions of the Food and Nutrition Safety Act of August 25, 2006 (articles 29 to 31). The manufacturer must apply for a license to produce the supplements, but it is the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate that oversees the production process. Nowadays you can use the services of external companies who, together with the manufacturer, will develop the entire process and composition of the finished product, provide a laboratory and prepare a strategy for introducing the supplement to the market.
What are the steps to be taken?
A company that wants to introduce a dietary supplement to the market must notify CSI about this intention. The application contains all the important information about the planned product: its name, exact composition, form, labeling and information about your company. That is why it is a good idea to use the help of experienced companies that have repeatedly developed the composition of this type of article and the necessary documentation. If the inspectorate, after analyzing the received data, gives a positive decision, you can start production. The next steps include conducting qualitative research, packaging in blisters, bottles or cardboard packaging, preparing leaflets and marketing activities.
