Food & Dietary Supplements Glossary
Industry Insights, Interviews & Expert Features
The gcrs group Food & Dietary Supplements Glossary explains the regulatory, scientific and technical terminology used throughout the food and dietary supplements industry. Whether you are developing, manufacturing or marketing food supplements in the UK, EU, USA or other international markets, this glossary provides a practical reference to help you understand key legislation, regulatory requirements, quality systems, testing methods and product safety concepts that support successful product compliance and market access.
The glossary covers terminology relating to food supplements, nutritional ingredients, health claims, food safety management, manufacturing standards, quality assurance, product testing, labelling requirements, international regulations and regulatory submissions. It has been developed as a valuable resource for manufacturers, brand owners, importers, distributors, retailers and regulatory professionals navigating global food supplement regulations and international market requirements.
A
Adaptogens are natural substances, typically derived from plants or fungi, that are traditionally used to help the body adapt to physical or mental stress and maintain normal physiological function. Common adaptogens used in food supplements include ashwagandha, rhodiola and ginseng. Depending on the jurisdiction, adaptogenic ingredients may be subject to specific safety assessments, novel food requirements or restrictions on health claims.
Related terms: Botanical Ingredients, Functional Claims, Novel Ingredients
Adulteration is the intentional or accidental addition, substitution or contamination of a food supplement with undeclared, inferior or prohibited substances that may affect its safety, quality or regulatory compliance. Preventing adulteration is an important part of supplier qualification, quality assurance and food safety management.
Related terms: Food Fraud, Supplier Qualification, Risk Assessment
Allergen Labelling is the legal requirement to clearly identify specified allergens present in food and dietary supplements. Correct allergen declarations help protect consumers with food allergies and ensure products comply with applicable food labelling legislation in the markets where they are sold.
Related terms: Food Information Regulations (FIC), Ingredient Declaration, Food Supplement
Amino Acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins and play essential roles in growth, tissue repair and normal physiological function. Individual amino acids are commonly included in food supplements to support nutrition, exercise performance and overall wellbeing. Their use must comply with applicable legislation governing ingredient safety, labelling and permitted claims.
Related terms: Bioavailability, Food Supplement, Product Specification
Article 13 Claims are authorised health claims under European Union legislation that describe how a nutrient or substance contributes to normal bodily functions, growth or psychological performance. These claims must be supported by scientific evidence and authorised before they can be used on food supplements within applicable markets.
Related terms: Health Claims, Health Claim Authorisation, Article 14 Claims
Article 14 Claims are specific authorised health claims relating to disease risk reduction or children’s development and health under European legislation. These claims undergo a higher level of scientific assessment before they can be approved for use.
Related terms: Article 13 Claims, Health Claim Authorisation, Health Claims
B
A Batch Number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific production run of a food supplement. It enables manufacturers to trace raw materials, manufacturing records, testing results and distribution history throughout the product lifecycle, supporting regulatory compliance and product recalls where necessary.
Related terms: Batch Traceability, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Product Recall
Batch Traceability is the ability to identify and track a specific production batch of a food supplement throughout manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale. Effective traceability supports product recalls, quality investigations and regulatory compliance by enabling affected products to be identified quickly.
Related terms: Batch Number, Supplier Qualification, Product Recall
Bioactive Ingredients are naturally occurring or manufactured substances that produce physiological effects beyond basic nutritional value. They are commonly used in food supplements to support specific health or wellness objectives and may include plant extracts, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids.
Related terms: Bioavailability, Botanical Ingredients, Functional Claims
Bioavailability describes the extent and rate at which a nutrient or active ingredient is absorbed and becomes available for use within the body. Manufacturers often consider bioavailability when developing food supplement formulations to maximise nutritional effectiveness.
Related terms: Amino Acids, Bioactive Ingredients, Product Specification
Botanical Ingredients are plant-derived materials such as herbs, roots, flowers, seeds and extracts used in food supplements. Depending on the ingredient and intended market, botanical ingredients may require safety assessments or be subject to specific regulatory restrictions.
Related terms: Novel Ingredients, Functional Claims, Food Supplement
C
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a document issued by a manufacturer or testing laboratory confirming that a raw material or finished food supplement has been tested against defined quality specifications. It typically includes analytical results for identity, purity, microbiological quality and contaminant testing.
Related terms: Identity Testing, Product Specification, Raw Material Specification
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a document issued by a manufacturer or supplier confirming that a raw material, ingredient or finished food supplement complies with specified regulatory, quality or contractual requirements. It provides assurance that products meet agreed specifications before distribution.
Related terms: Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Product Specification, Supplier Qualification
A Certificate of Free Sale is an official document confirming that a food supplement is legally manufactured and marketed within its country of origin. Many overseas regulatory authorities require this document before permitting imported food supplements to enter their market.
Related terms: Regulatory Submission, Product Registration, Food Supplement
Codex Alimentarius is the internationally recognised collection of food standards, guidelines and codes of practice developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Codex promotes food safety, fair trade and harmonisation of international food regulations.
Related terms: Food Safety Management System (FSMS), Food Supplement, Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Contaminant Testing evaluates food supplements for unwanted substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, microorganisms and environmental contaminants. Testing demonstrates product safety, supports regulatory compliance and helps protect consumer health.
Related terms: Heavy Metal Testing, Microbiological Testing, Pesticide Residues
D
Daily Reference Intake (RI) is a guideline indicating the recommended daily intake of energy and nutrients for an average healthy adult. It is commonly displayed on food and dietary supplement labels to help consumers understand the nutritional contribution of a serving relative to daily dietary recommendations.
Related terms: Nutrition Labelling, Nutrition Claims, Supplement Facts Panel
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) is the United States legislation enacted in 1994 that established the regulatory framework for dietary supplements. It defines dietary supplements, outlines manufacturer responsibilities and governs ingredient safety, labelling and the use of Structure/Function Claims under FDA oversight.
Related terms: FDA Dietary Supplement Regulations, FDA, Structure/Function Claims
Disease Claims are statements that suggest a food supplement can prevent, treat or cure a disease or medical condition. Such claims are generally prohibited for food supplements in many jurisdictions unless specifically authorised under applicable legislation.
Related terms: Health Claims, FDA Dietary Supplement Regulations, Structure/Function Claims
E
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the independent scientific body responsible for providing risk assessments relating to food and feed safety within the European Union. EFSA evaluates novel foods, health claims and ingredient safety to support regulatory decision-making.
Related terms: Health Claims, Novel Food, Health Claim Authorisation
Excipients are inactive ingredients used in food supplements to support manufacturing, stability, appearance, flavour or product performance. Common excipients include binders, fillers, coatings and anti-caking agents. Although they do not provide nutritional benefits, excipients must comply with applicable food safety and food additive legislation.
Related terms: Food Additives, Ingredient Specification, Product Specification
F
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements marketed within the United States. The FDA oversees manufacturer compliance with legislation relating to ingredient safety, product labelling, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and post-market enforcement activities.
Related terms: FDA Dietary Supplement Regulations, Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), Structure/Function Claims
FDA Dietary Supplement Regulations are the legal requirements governing dietary supplements marketed in the United States. These regulations establish standards for ingredient safety, manufacturing, labelling, adverse event reporting and product marketing under FDA oversight.
Related terms: FDA, Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), GMP (Food Manufacturing)
A Finished Product Specification defines the required quality, composition, identity, appearance, microbiological limits and acceptance criteria that a completed food supplement must satisfy before release for sale. It helps ensure manufacturing consistency and regulatory compliance.
Related terms: Product Specification, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Stability Testing
Food Additives are substances intentionally added to food supplements to perform technological functions such as preservation, stabilisation, colouring, sweetening or improving texture. Only authorised food additives may be used, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
Related terms: Excipients, Ingredient Specification, Food Supplement
A Food Business Operator (FBO) is the individual or organisation legally responsible for ensuring that food products placed on the market comply with applicable food legislation. Food Business Operators are responsible for implementing food safety systems, maintaining traceability and ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.
Related terms: Food Safety Management System (FSMS), HACCP, Supplier Qualification
Food Contact Materials are packaging, containers or processing equipment that come into direct contact with food supplements during manufacture, storage or distribution. These materials must be suitable for food use and comply with food safety legislation to prevent contamination.
Related terms: Product Specification, Food Safety Management System (FSMS), Risk Assessment
Food Fraud refers to the intentional substitution, adulteration, misrepresentation or falsification of food ingredients or products for economic gain. Effective supplier qualification, testing and traceability programmes help reduce the risk of food fraud throughout the supply chain.
Related terms: Adulteration, Supplier Qualification, Risk Assessment
The Food Information Regulations (FIC) establish labelling requirements for food products marketed within the European Union and retained UK legislation. They set rules covering ingredient declarations, allergen information, nutrition labelling and mandatory consumer information.
Related terms: Allergen Labelling, Nutrition Labelling, Ingredient Declaration
A Food Safety Management System (FSMS) is a documented framework used to identify, manage and control food safety hazards throughout production and distribution. It helps food businesses demonstrate compliance with recognised food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Related terms: HACCP, GMP (Food Manufacturing), Quality Assurance (QA)
A Food Supplement is a food product intended to supplement the normal diet by providing concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals or other substances with nutritional or physiological effects. Food supplements are regulated separately from medicines and conventional foods.
Related terms: Food Supplement Notification, Nutrition Claims, Botanical Ingredients
Food Supplement Notification is the process of notifying the relevant regulatory authority before placing certain food supplements on the market where required by national legislation. Notification requirements vary between countries and product categories.
Related terms: Food Supplement, Food Standards Agency (FSA), Regulatory Submission
The Food Supplements Directive (Directive 2002/46/EC) establishes harmonised rules governing the composition, labelling and marketing of food supplements within the European Union. It sets requirements for permitted vitamins, minerals and labelling information while allowing Member States to implement additional national measures where applicable.
Related terms: Food Supplement, Nutrition Labelling, Food Information Regulations (FIC)
Functional Claims are statements describing how a nutrient or ingredient contributes to the normal function of the body without implying the prevention, treatment or cure of disease. Depending on the jurisdiction, functional claims must comply with applicable legislation and be supported by scientific evidence.
Related terms: Structure/Function Claims, Health Claims, Article 13 Claims
G
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for Food Manufacturing refers to the quality standards and operational controls used to ensure food supplements are consistently manufactured, packaged and stored under hygienic conditions. GMP helps maintain product safety, quality and regulatory compliance throughout the manufacturing process.
Related terms: Food Safety Management System (FSMS), HACCP, GMP Certification
GMP Certification is independent verification that a manufacturing facility operates in accordance with recognised Good Manufacturing Practice standards. Certification demonstrates that appropriate quality systems, hygiene controls and manufacturing procedures are in place to consistently produce safe and compliant food supplements.
Related terms: GMP (Food Manufacturing), Food Safety Management System (FSMS), Supplier Qualification
GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) is a U.S. regulatory designation for substances that are widely accepted by qualified experts as safe for their intended use in food. Manufacturers may rely on GRAS status when using certain ingredients in food and dietary supplements, subject to applicable FDA requirements.
Related terms: FDA Dietary Supplement Regulations, Novel Ingredients, Ingredient Specification
H
HACCP is a preventive food safety management system used to identify, assess and control biological, chemical and physical hazards during food production. It is widely recognised as an essential component of food safety and quality management worldwide.
Related terms: Food Safety Management System (FSMS), GMP (Food Manufacturing), Risk Assessment
Halal Certification confirms that a food supplement has been produced, processed and handled in accordance with recognised Islamic dietary requirements. Certification supports market access and consumer confidence in regions where Halal products are widely expected.
Related terms: Kosher Certification, Supplier Qualification, Product Specification
Health Canada is Canada’s federal regulatory authority responsible for overseeing food, natural health products and other consumer health products. The authority establishes safety, ingredient and labelling requirements for products marketed in Canada and supports consumer protection through regulatory oversight.
Related terms: Food Supplement Notification, Regulatory Submission, FDA
Health Claim Authorisation is the formal regulatory approval process required before certain health claims may be used on food supplements. Scientific evidence is evaluated by the relevant regulatory authority to determine whether the proposed claim is supported and may be legally used.
Related terms: Health Claims, Article 13 Claims, Article 14 Claims
Health Claims are statements made on food or dietary supplements that suggest a relationship between a product, ingredient or nutrient and human health. Such claims are strictly regulated and must be supported by scientific evidence before they can be used in many markets.
Related terms: Health Claim Authorisation, Article 13 Claims, Functional Claims
Heavy Metal Testing analyses food supplements for contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Testing helps demonstrate product safety, supports regulatory compliance and verifies that contaminant levels remain within legally permitted limits.
Related terms: Contaminant Testing, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Risk Assessment
I
Identity Testing verifies that a raw material or finished ingredient is the correct substance specified by the manufacturer. Testing may involve chemical, physical or microbiological methods to confirm ingredient authenticity before use in food supplement production. Identity testing helps prevent substitution, adulteration and ingredient fraud while supporting regulatory compliance.
Related terms: Purity Testing, Raw Material Specification, Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Ingredient Declaration is the mandatory listing of all ingredients contained within a food supplement, presented in accordance with applicable food labelling legislation. Accurate ingredient declarations help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and support regulatory compliance, particularly for allergens, additives and botanical ingredients.
Related terms: Food Information Regulations (FIC), Allergen Labelling, Ingredient Specification
An Ingredient Specification is a technical document describing the identity, composition, purity, quality requirements and acceptance criteria for a raw material used in food supplements. It helps manufacturers verify ingredient consistency and demonstrate compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
Related terms: Raw Material Specification, Identity Testing, Product Specification
K
Kosher Certification confirms that a food supplement has been manufactured in accordance with recognised Jewish dietary laws and independently assessed by an authorised certification body. Certification can improve market access and consumer confidence where Kosher products are preferred or required.
Related terms: Halal Certification, Supplier Qualification, Product Specification
M
Maximum Permitted Levels are the highest legally permitted amounts of specific vitamins, minerals or other substances that may be present in food supplements under applicable legislation. These limits are established to protect consumer health while ensuring products remain safe and compliant throughout their lifecycle.
Related terms: Risk Assessment, Food Supplement, Nutrition Claims
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the UK government authority responsible for regulating medicines, medical devices and certain borderline products. Although food supplements are generally regulated by food legislation, the MHRA may become involved where product presentation or claims could cause a supplement to be classified as a medicinal product.
Related terms: Food Supplement, Disease Claims, Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Microbiological Testing evaluates food supplements for microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, moulds and pathogens that could affect product safety or quality. Routine microbiological testing helps verify product safety, supports quality assurance programmes and demonstrates compliance with regulatory standards.
Related terms: Contaminant Testing, Heavy Metal Testing, Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic nutrients required by the body to support essential physiological functions, including bone health, muscle function, metabolism and immune system performance. Food supplements containing minerals must comply with legislation governing permitted ingredients, composition and labelling.
Related terms: Vitamins, Daily Reference Intake (RI), Nutrition Labelling
Mutual Recognition is a regulatory principle that allows products legally marketed in one jurisdiction to be recognised for sale in another participating jurisdiction under certain conditions. The application of mutual recognition depends on the relevant legislation, product category and regulatory agreements between participating markets.
Related terms: Regulatory Submission, Product Registration, Certificate of Free Sale
N
A Novel Food is a food or ingredient that was not consumed to a significant degree before 15 May 1997 within the European Union. Before being marketed, novel foods generally require a scientific safety assessment and regulatory authorisation from the relevant authority.
Related terms: Novel Food Authorisation, EFSA, Novel Ingredients
Novel Food Authorisation is the regulatory approval process required before a novel food or ingredient can be legally marketed within applicable jurisdictions. Applications generally require scientific evidence demonstrating the ingredient’s safety for its intended use.
Related terms: Novel Food, EFSA, Novel Ingredients
Novel Ingredients are ingredients that may require additional scientific assessment or regulatory approval before they can be used in food supplements within certain jurisdictions. Their regulatory status depends on applicable legislation and whether they meet the legal definition of a Novel Food.
Related terms: Novel Food, Novel Food Authorisation, EFSA
NSF Certification is an independent third-party certification programme that verifies food supplements, ingredients or manufacturing facilities meet recognised standards for quality, safety and good manufacturing practices. Although voluntary, NSF Certification is widely recognised throughout the dietary supplement industry.
Related terms: GMP Certification, Quality Assurance (QA), Supplier Qualification
Nutrition Claims are statements describing the beneficial nutritional properties of a food or dietary supplement, such as “high in vitamin C” or “source of fibre.” These claims must comply with applicable legislation and meet defined nutritional criteria before they may be used.
Related terms: Health Claims, Nutrition Labelling, Daily Reference Intake (RI)
Nutrition Labelling provides consumers with information about the nutritional content of a food supplement, including energy, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients where required by legislation. Accurate nutrition labelling supports informed purchasing decisions and regulatory compliance.
Related terms: Daily Reference Intake (RI), Nutrition Claims, Food Information Regulations (FIC)
O
Organic Certification verifies that ingredients or finished food supplements have been produced, processed and handled in accordance with recognised organic production standards. Certification is granted by approved certification bodies and demonstrates that products meet specific requirements relating to organic farming, ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices. Organic certification supports consumer confidence and may be required before products can be marketed using organic claims.
Related terms: Vegan Certification, Supplier Qualification, Product Specification
P
Pesticide Residues are trace amounts of agricultural chemicals that may remain on botanical ingredients or other raw materials used in food supplements. Manufacturers routinely test for pesticide residues to demonstrate compliance with regulatory limits and to help ensure product safety before products reach consumers.
Related terms: Contaminant Testing, Heavy Metal Testing, Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively promote the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms within the digestive system. They are commonly incorporated into food supplements formulated to support digestive health and the balance of the gut microbiome.
Related terms: Probiotics, Bioactive Ingredients, Functional Claims
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, may provide health benefits by supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria within the digestive system. The regulatory treatment of probiotics and associated health claims varies across international markets, making compliance with local legislation essential.
Related terms: Prebiotics, Functional Claims, Health Claims
A Product Specification is a controlled technical document that defines the required quality, identity, composition, microbiological limits, packaging requirements and acceptance criteria for a finished food supplement. Product specifications help ensure manufacturing consistency, support quality management systems and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Related terms: Finished Product Specification, Raw Material Specification, Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Product Registration is the regulatory process of submitting required information about a food supplement to the relevant authority before it is marketed, where registration is required by national legislation. Registration requirements vary between countries and product categories and may include ingredient information, product specifications and labelling documentation.
Related terms: Regulatory Submission, Food Supplement Notification, Certificate of Free Sale
Purity Testing evaluates raw materials and finished food supplements to confirm they meet predefined quality standards and are free from unacceptable contaminants, impurities or adulterants. Purity testing supports quality assurance programmes and helps demonstrate compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Related terms: Identity Testing, Heavy Metal Testing, Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Q
Quality Assurance (QA) is the systematic process of establishing procedures, controls and monitoring activities that ensure food supplements consistently meet defined quality, safety and regulatory requirements. QA covers manufacturing, documentation, supplier management, testing and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.
Related terms: GMP (Food Manufacturing), Food Safety Management System (FSMS), Supplier Qualification
R
A Raw Material Specification is a technical document that defines the identity, composition, purity, microbiological limits and acceptance criteria for an ingredient before it is used in manufacturing. It helps manufacturers verify consistency, maintain product quality and comply with regulatory requirements.
Related terms: Ingredient Specification, Identity Testing, Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Raw Material Verification is the process of confirming that incoming ingredients meet predefined quality, identity and safety requirements before they are approved for manufacturing. Verification may include supplier documentation, laboratory testing and specification reviews.
Related terms: Supplier Qualification, Identity Testing, Raw Material Specification
A Regulatory Submission is the formal process of providing documentation, technical information and supporting evidence to a regulatory authority for review, notification or approval before a food supplement is placed on the market. Submission requirements vary according to jurisdiction and product type.
Related terms: Product Registration, Food Supplement Notification, Certificate of Free Sale
Residual Solvents are trace amounts of organic solvents that may remain in ingredients following extraction or manufacturing processes. Testing is carried out to ensure solvent levels remain within recognised safety limits and comply with applicable regulatory standards.
Related terms: Purity Testing, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment is the systematic process of identifying, evaluating and controlling potential hazards associated with food supplements, including ingredients, contaminants, manufacturing processes and consumer use. It forms a fundamental part of food safety management and regulatory compliance.
Related terms: HACCP, Food Safety Management System (FSMS), Contaminant Testing)
S
Shelf-Life is the period during which a food supplement is expected to remain safe, stable and suitable for consumption when stored under recommended conditions. Shelf-life is established through scientific testing and helps manufacturers determine appropriate expiry dates while maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.
Related terms: Stability Testing, Stability Studies, Finished Product Specification
Shelf-Life Validation is the scientific process of confirming that a food supplement maintains its quality, safety, potency and intended performance throughout its stated shelf-life. Validation is supported by stability data generated under defined storage conditions.
Related terms: Shelf-Life, Stability Studies, Stability Testing
Stability Studies are scientific investigations conducted to evaluate how environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and light affect a food supplement over time. The results help establish shelf-life, storage conditions and packaging requirements.
Related terms: Stability Testing, Shelf-Life Validation, Shelf-Life
Stability Testing assesses whether a food supplement maintains its identity, strength, composition, microbiological quality and overall performance throughout its intended shelf-life. Testing supports expiry date determination and demonstrates ongoing product quality.
Related terms: Stability Studies, Shelf-Life, Finished Product Specification
Structure/Function Claims describe how a nutrient or ingredient supports the normal structure or function of the human body without claiming to prevent, treat or cure disease. In the United States, these claims are permitted under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) when they comply with FDA requirements.
Related terms: Functional Claims, Health Claims, Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)
Supplier Documentation consists of records provided by ingredient suppliers to demonstrate compliance with quality, regulatory and contractual requirements. Documentation may include Certificates of Analysis, Certificates of Compliance, specifications, audit reports and manufacturing information.
Related terms: Supplier Qualification, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Raw Material Verification
Supplier Qualification is the documented process of evaluating and approving suppliers to ensure they consistently provide ingredients and materials that meet defined quality, safety and regulatory requirements. Qualification activities may include supplier audits, document reviews, testing programmes and ongoing performance monitoring.
Related terms: Supplier Documentation, Raw Material Verification, GMP Certification
The Supplement Facts Panel is the mandatory information panel displayed on dietary supplement labels in the United States. It provides details such as serving size, active ingredients, nutrient amounts and daily values in accordance with FDA dietary supplement regulations.
Related terms: FDA Dietary Supplement Regulations, Daily Reference Intake (RI), Nutrition Labelling
T
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia’s national regulatory authority responsible for therapeutic goods, including certain complementary medicines and products that fall within its regulatory scope. Depending on product classification and intended claims, some products marketed as supplements may be regulated by the TGA rather than under general food legislation.
Related terms: Regulatory Submission, Product Registration, Risk Assessment
Traceability is the ability to track a food supplement, its ingredients and packaging materials throughout the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final distribution. Effective traceability supports product recalls, regulatory inspections, quality investigations and consumer safety.
Related terms: Batch Traceability, Batch Number, Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
U
The UK Food Supplements Regulations establish the legal requirements governing the composition, labelling and marketing of food supplements placed on the Great Britain market. The regulations define permitted vitamins and minerals, mandatory labelling information and compliance obligations for food businesses.
Related terms: Food Supplements Directive, Food Information Regulations (FIC), Food Supplement
V
Vegan Certification is an independent verification that a food supplement contains no animal-derived ingredients and has been manufactured in accordance with recognised vegan standards. Certification helps manufacturers demonstrate product suitability for vegan consumers and supports transparent product marketing.
Related terms: Organic Certification, Halal Certification, Product Specification
Vitamins are essential organic nutrients required in small amounts to support normal growth, metabolism and overall health. Food supplements commonly provide vitamins to help maintain adequate nutritional intake where dietary intake alone may be insufficient. The use of vitamins in food supplements is regulated to ensure safety, permitted forms and accurate labelling.
Related terms: Minerals, Daily Reference Intake (RI), Nutrition Labelling