A set of guidelines produced by one of Europe's largest trade groups is assisting supplements manufacturers in their efforts to comply with existing and yet to be ratified European Union regulations in the dietary supplements area.

Compiled by the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM), the 'Quality Guide for Food Supplements' outlines production requirements for companies operating within the EU and covers manufacturing, quality control, packaging, distribution and storage. The guide is intended for supplements manufacturers as well as those that employ contract manufacturers and distributors.

The guidelines have drawn on more than a decade of work by national associations, EHPM and industry technical experts so that uniformity can be achieved across the EU's 27 Member States.

"This guide is a major step forward in achieving consistent quality for food supplements in Europe," said EHPM technical adviser and quality guide editor, Peter Berry Ottaway. "It is a significant component in achieving food supplement quality worldwide."

EHPM Chairman Peter van Doorn said: "The issue of quality is of primary importance to the manufacturers. Our aim is to maintain high standards of quality across the industry, so this guide is an invaluable best practice reference for the manufacture and distribution of food supplements."

For more information, email the EHPM Secretariat at pieterdhondt@ehpm.be.