National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)
National Animal Supplement Council
Unlike human supplements, present U.S. law does NOT specifically recognize animal supplements. Just this year, the State of Iowa tried to make it illegal to sell glucosamine, MSM, and even antioxidants (like vitamin C) to animals. Until this issue is remedied, your ability to use supplements for your animal will remain in jeopardy.
What is being done?
In 2001, a group of supplement manufacturers formed a not-for-profit organization called the National Animal Supplement Council to address this problem. The NASC is dedicated to ensuring that supplements continue to be available by working with the Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to create fair, reasonable, responsible regulation that provides nationwide consistency. SmartPak is proud to be a founding member of the NASC.
What is the NASC doing for me?
Before the National Animal Supplement Council, there were no standards for what a company could claim on its labels, no standards for manufacturing practices and no standards for tracking adverse events (side effects). Since its formation, the NASC has implemented national standards for labeling, manufacturing and adverse event reporting so that customers will know what they are getting for their supplement dollar. NASC members must embrace the following:
- Accurate labels with complete ingredient listings
- No unsubstantiated claims on labels or in advertisements
- Manufacturing of products under rigorous quality standards
- Ensuring the safety of the ingredients by tracking adverse events
How is SmartPak helping?
With its new line of SmartSupplements, SmartPak follows all NASC guidelines regarding labeling, manufacturing and adverse event reporting, and we undergo regular independent auditing. However, as a catalog and internet retailer, SmartPak doesn’t have direct control over either label claims or supplement manufacturing conditions. But we do have a talented technology team! SmartPak designed and built a sophisticated database used by all NASC members to track the safety of supplement ingredients. For the first time ever, the industry is sharing data with each other and the FDA-CVM. By collecting this data, we have solid proof of safety and visibility on any problems. Together, we are hoping to make sensible decisions based on scientific evidence rather than speculation.
“SmartPak genuinely sees themselves as advocates for what is best for their customers – the continued availability of high-quality products. SmartPak has given generously of their time and expertise leading the development of The NASC Adverse Event Reporting System (NAERS). This system and its implementation is unprecedented in the animal health industry and is more comprehensive than the requirements mandated by the US Congress for either Human Dietary Supplements or animal feed. NAERS has been key to our continued progress with the regulatory agencies or those recommending regulatory policy.”
Bill Bookout, NASC president
What can you do?
NASC was able to intervene in Iowa to avoid a crisis. But your state could be next! We have made great progress, but there may come a time when animal owners need to make their voices heard. Please sign up below and we'll let you know what you can do to help and keep you up to date with messages from our President who serves on the NASC Board of Directors.