How To Start Your Own Supplement company
Thinking about how to start your own supplement company? Do you want to have your own company name on your protein powder or dietary supplement? Do you have an investor that has the financing for you so that you can create your very own supplement line? That’s great!
But before you even start to think of what type of protein powder you want, pricing, quantities, and fancy graphics for your label, you better think about the legalities and the FDA when it comes to manufacturing and/or distributing dietary supplements. This must come first because if not your company can be shut down in the blink of an eye.
Many people think its as easy as calling up a contract packager and having them make 500 units of a whey protein. And yes these manufacturers will do it for you. They will gladly take your money because they want the business and their sales people want the commission. But what they don’t tell you is that you better have a complete understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 111, if not you’re looking to get yourself into some serious trouble.
The FDA monitors and regulates dietary supplements. Don’t think for a minute that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements. They don’t approve them but they sure as hell can take you to court, file an injunction against you, and fine you a hefty fine. They can have federal marshals seize your supplements, computers, and all other inventory you have in your warehouse.
As you can see from the reasons above, don’t even think about protein, prices, and quantities until you have a full understand and comprehension that you can follow the C.F.R. 111’s. Look for some consultants that can assist you so that you are compliant with the C.F.R. 111’s. You’ll have peace of mind that your products, labels, and paperwork, are all complete and accurate so when the FDA does come a knockin at your door you will be ready. Because I guarantee that they will come to inspect you and you better be ready for them. If not its adios to your supplement company and you’ll wish you never started one in the first place.
And please, don’t fall for the myth that because you do not actually make the product you are not responsible to follow the 111’s. because you are. Most supplement companies lie and say that because they do not make their product, that their contract packager is responsible for all the testing ect.
Well here is proof. As you can see in this letter, the FDA clearly states that the burden falls on the supplement company, not the contract packager.
Here are some steps on how to start your own supplement company
- Find a contract packager
- physically visit where they make your product. (there are far to many “brokers” that scam you)
- Look at their latest FDA inspection. If they have never been inspected by the FDA, dont use them
- Ask them if they ever received a 483 warning letter.
- Ask them to sign quality agreements
- Ask them for lab tests that THEY perform on their protein powders.
These are the first initial steps on how to start your own supplement company. If you need help I’m available for consultation at $300.00 per hour.
Alex Rogers is a supplement manufacturing expert. He has been formulating, consulting, & manufacturing dietary supplements since 1998. Alex invented protein customization in 1998 & was the first company to allow consumers to create their own protein blends. He helped create the first supplement to contain natural follistatin, invented whey protein with egg lecithin, & recently imported the world’s first 100% hydrolyzed whey.
