Impending GMPs is expected to spur growth opportunities for third parties such as NSF who are in the businesses helping companies comply with regulations. According to NSF, it has registered a total of 65 manufacturing facilities for GMPs.

The fact that GMP legislation is still hanging in the balance while adverse events reporting (AER) regulations recently cleared and are set to be implemented by the end of 2007 has frustrated the dietary supplement industry.

Nonetheless, many companies are taking the precautions to go through with the procedures.

"Taking a proactive approach to comply with the upcoming GMP guidelines speaks highly of any manufacturer and their initiative to produce quality products," said Kristen Holt, senior vice president of NSF's dietary supplement and food safety programs.

NSF's GMP Registration Program independently registers manufacturers of dietary supplements and functional foods that demonstrate compliance with all GMP requirements.