A Virtual Thought Leader Discussion on Botanical and Dietary Supplement Product Integrity, Part 1

With the Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance (GRMA)

AOAC INTERNATIONAL, in partnership with the Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance (GRMA), convened a multi-part virtual Thought Leader Discussion (TLD) on Botanical and Dietary Supplement Product Integrity to discuss the rapidly emerging and multi-faceted challenges this industry is facing. These include new regulations, new product offerings, and expanding consumer markets. Such challenges have brought greater attention to recognized analytical gaps needed to support botanical and dietary supplement quality, safety, and integrity for producers, retailers, and consumers alike. In addition, large retailers of dietary supplements are moving towards requiring that all such products bear a certificate of analysis on their product label or accompanying their private certification, i.e., be tested by an accredited laboratory using validated compendial methods.

Originally held December 16, 2021, this free event was designed to gain expert input from the dietary supplement industry (manufacturers and retailers), testing laboratories, government, and academia, and to aid in the development of a prioritized strategic approach for a new program offering by AOAC INTERNATIONAL. The format features several short topic presentations followed by an open discussion for each.

Topics Include:

• Adopting consensus driven standards, quality assurance & risk mitigation strategies
• Official Methods of Analysis^SM
  • Standards and fit-for-purpose method development needs for component, contaminant, and novel matrix analysis
  • Species identification (botanicals and probiotics) employing molecular and next generation sequencing applications
  • Validation criteria, training and education, and the value of quality testing programs
• Qualification & identification process for qualified labs
  • Requirement/specification
  • Assessment and certification

This is planned to be a multi-part discussion, with the next segment taking place in January 2022.

TLD Agenda

Moderators: Palmer Orlandi (AOAC INTERNATIONAL) & Allyn Shultis (GRMA)

2:00 PM –2:05 PM	Welcome and Introductions (Dave Schmidt, AOAC)
2:05 PM – 2:20 PM	Opening Remarks from AOAC INTERNATIONAL and GRMA (Orlandi & Shultis) Brief statements will be offered on the roles and perspectives of each organization in the development of solutions for botanical and dietary supplement stakeholder communities.
2:20 PM – 2:30 PM	The Thought Leader Discussion (TLD) Format: Process and Expected Outcomes (Deborah McKenzie, AOAC)
2:30 PM – 4:15 PM	Presentations and Open Discussions
2:30 PM – 3:05 PM	GRMA Product Integrity Committee (Jeff Brams, Garden of Life)
3:05 PM – 3:40 PM	The Value in Adopting Consensus-Driven Official Methods of AnalysisSM (AOAC, Darryl Sullivan, Eurofins)
3:40 PM – 4:15 PM	Developing a Strategic Framework for Meeting the Analytical Challenges Faced by the Stakeholder Community (AOAC, Gary Swanson, Herbalife)
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM	Looking Ahead: Part 2 of the TLD (Orlandi & Shultis)
4:30 PM	Adjournment