NASC
What is the NASC?
In 2001, a group of leading supplement manufacturers formed a non-profit industry organization known as the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). The NASC's overriding goal is to promote the health and well-being of our companion animals (including equine) and to enhance the integrity of the animal supplements industry. To do so, the NASC works closely with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to create regulation that is fair, reasonable, responsible and consistent nationwide. MVP is proud to be a founding member of the NASC since its inception in 2001.
NASC’s Quality Seal and What it Means to You
Before the NASC existed, there were no standards for label claims, manufacturing practices, or tracking adverse events (side effects). This also means companies that are not NASC members, may not follow any regulations, labels are likely not done properly, and may make false claims. When you see the NASC Quality Seal, you can trust you are buying a product from a reputable company who has successfully completed an independent quality audit. NASC member companies must comply with rigorous requirements before they are granted permission to display the seal.
As a consumer, you can feel confident knowing NASC members, including MVP, demonstrate the following:
1 Accurate labels with complete ingredient listings formatted based on guidelines of the FDA and AAFCO.
2 In depth quality manufacturing standards that meet NASC’s Good Manufacturing Procedures, modeled after the FDA.
3 Monitor and ensure safety of ingredients by tracking and reporting all adverse events (side effects) to a National Adverse Event Reporting System, which FDA has access to.
4 Completion of independent audits regularly including random product testing to ensure purity, potency, and accuracy of content.
Take-Home Message
There are NO federal or state laws mandating that all supplement companies be regulated and members of the NASC. This also means supplement companies are not legally required to have audited production procedures and verification of potency and purity levels of finished product. There are a few major manufacturers that follow FDA and AAFCO proper labeling guidelines and produce products in FDA approved facilities that would be consistent with NASC guidelines. However, most reputable companies in the equine supplement business want to be regulated, to guarantee the consumer the highest quality product and are members of the NASC that carry the “Good House Keeping” NASC seal! Claims made that are too good to be true is often a red flag alert, and typically not a regulated company! Always ask if the company carries the yellow NASC Seal.
For more information on the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) please visit their website.