How to order the production of dietary supplements? The most common mistakes of B2B brands

How to prepare a brief to reduce the risk of errors?

In the process of ordering B2B production errors often result from inaccurate findings in the documentation, and not from the manufacturing technology itself. Below I discuss the key formal and technical aspects that should be clarified before starting work in order to avoid costly corrections.

A precise request for quotation must define the qualitative composition, the form of the product and the specific sensory requirements and raw material constraints. It is necessary to define the criteria for batch acceptance, including the permissible mass tolerances and the scope of the final tests. The implementation of the test series allows these theoretical assumptions to be verified on a semi-technical scale before the commissioning of the main line. It is also worth pointing out whether manufacturer of dietary supplements is supposed to work on the entrusted recipe or develop a new one, which affects the responsibility for the specification. The omission of logistical assumptions, such as minimum batch sizes, often results in the need to renegotiate the terms later.

Why do legal status and labeling force adjustments?

The contents on the packaging must clearly separate the marketing communication from the information acceptable for food, preventing suggestions of therapeutic action. The EU directive prohibits the attribution of disease-preventing properties to supplements, which often requires changing the name or descriptions. The introduction of the product on the market also requires formal notification of the Chief Sanitary Inspector of this fact. It is also necessary to verify the completeness of the label with regard to Regulation 1169/2011, taking into account the list of ingredients, nutritional value and shelf-life dates.

When do quality agreements become key?

Before implementation, it is necessary to establish the rules for the qualification of raw materials, complaint procedures and the procedure for introducing changes in the manufacturing process. The lack of clear rules for sampling and batch release makes it difficult to subsequently assess possible qualitative inconsistencies. Regular audits at the subcontractor allow you to monitor compliance with GMP and HACCP hygiene standards on an ongoing basis. It is important that the manufacturer of dietary supplements provides complete analytical documentation for each release of the product, confirming compliance with the standards.

The most important information about contractual cooperation

Effective execution of the order is based on measurable technical parameters contained in the specification and the precise separation of marketing functions from the requirements of food law. The key to the smoothness of the process is to agree in advance the control procedures, the scope of laboratory tests and the rules for acceptance of finished batches by the ordering party. Elimination of implementation errors also requires consistent quality documentation and strict adherence to packaging labeling standards, which exclude therapeutic promises.

FAQ

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What should a complete production brief contain?

The document must specify the physicochemical parameters of the product, the tolerance limits for masses and homogeneity and the requirements for raw materials. It is also important to define the expected batch size and supply logistics.

What are the problems with labels?

Most often, errors relate to the suggestion of medicinal properties, which is prohibited for food. There are also often gaps in the mandatory information elements, such as the complete list of ingredients.

How to avoid disputes about the quality of batches?

The procedures for releasing the goods for marketing and the scope of the laboratory tests accompanying each delivery should be laid down in advance. A precise description of the complaint process and handling deviations is also helpful.

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