Testing has shown that raw materials are the number one cause of inadvertent contamination of manufacturing equipment and finished products. LGC, and its drug surveillance laboratory formerly known as HFL Sport Science, conducts more than 13,000 tests per year and analyzes products, manufacturing facilities, and raw materials for contamination at parts per billion (ppb) levels all over the world. The risk is present and it is reassuring to see an increasing number of raw material suppliers and manufacturers implement testing requirements to mitigate contamination. Numerous supplement brands have turned to banned substance testing to be able to approach elite athletes, increase quality controls, and gain a competitive advantage over the thousands of other supplement

companies in the market. LGC provides services to market-leading companies throughout the supply chain, from raw material suppliers to contract manufacturers and the finished products they make.

On discovery of a contamination issue, LGC assists those involved in identifying the underlying cause of contamination and offering the appropriate solutions. Adulteration does occur, but most investigations show inadvertent contamination, so all LGC testing remains strictly confidential as we work with our clients to resolve the issues. The Informed-Choice and Informed-Sport programs are designed to help the growing global dietary supplements industry and LGC wants to be your partner for banned substances in sport quality testing.

RAW MATERIAL CONTAMINATION

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For dietary supplements brands and their users, contamination of a finished product with substances

banned in sport can be a major concern.

INFORMED-SPORT.COM INFORMED-CHOICE.ORG

RAW MATERIAL CONTAMINANT COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Agmatine Sulfate DMBA China

Caffeine DHEA China

Calcium AAC DHEA China

Calcium Pyruvate Nandrolone China

Magnesium Ascorbate DHEA USA

Magnesium Chelate DHEA USA

Microcrystalline Cellulose Methylhexaneamine China

Silicon Dioxide DHEA China

Note: This list does not include botanicals known to contain naturally occurring steroidal, stimulant, or other banned compounds and analogues.

Examples of raw materials implicated in contamination investigations since 2013

LGC’s laboratories have more than 50 years of anti-doping testing experience

LGC offers three levels of raw material testing for substances banned in sport using ISO 17025 accredited methods in laboratories based in both the United States and the United Kingdom:

1. INFORMED-CHOICE/INFORMED-SPORT CERTIFICATION – This high level of assurance requires raw materials to successfully pass through a registration process that includes testing of multiple batches, review of the raw material’s manufacturing process, and assessment of the manufacturing facility’s inventory, quality controls, and standard operating procedures by trained LGC assessors.

Upon successful completion of the registration process a certificate is issued allowing the raw material marketing privileges of the Informed-Choice and Informed-Sport trademarks (as defined in the program’s terms and conditions) and is added to the programs’ websites to be seen by manufacturers and brands around the world. The Informed-Choice and Informed-Sport programs and their associated trademarks have become synonymous with sports nutrition quality assurance. Continuing on the program requires ongoing batch testing and a regular review.

2. BATCH CUSTOM TESTING– This mid-level assurance service offers a Certificate of Analysis (COA) based on custom testing of an individual batch submitted for analysis. It is extremely useful because having the certificate in hand adds credibility and confirms a batch has undergone banned substance testing as requested by both manufacturers and brands. One raw material is tested at a time with a COA generated and distributed from LGC’s laboratories, providing buyers the assurance that the tested raw material has minimal risk of contaminating finished products and/or manufacturing equipment.

3. COMPOSITE BATCH CUSTOM TESTING – As an extra voluntary quality control step when used to screen high risk raw materials, especially those sourced overseas, LGC provides testing of up to five raw materials blended into a single sample for the banned substance screen. A raw material contamination report is generated for the client’s internal use only and is to be used as an expansion of the client’s internal quality controls.

Please feel free to ask us about finished product testing, manufacturing facility assessments, GMP certification, label verification testing, and other contaminant testing.

RYAN BELLONEBusiness Development Manager

ryan.bellone@lgcgroup.comUS Tel: +1 206.452.4948 | UK Tel: +44 7408 809767

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