Which quality assurance measure should a reader seek on a supplement label to ensure ingredient accuracy and freedom from contaminants like Salmonella?
Third-party testing seals
Due to the regulatory classification of alfalfa as a supplement rather than a drug, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not mandate pre-marketing approval, leading to significant variability in quality and labeling accuracy among different brands. To mitigate risks associated with inaccurate ingredient lists or microbial contamination, consumers are advised to select products that display seals indicating third-party testing. This verification process confirms that the ingredients listed on the label are actually present in the claimed quantities and, crucially, that the product has been screened and found free from harmful biological contaminants such as Salmonella, which pose a significant risk, especially in sprout-derived products.
