NSF expands dietary supplements program leadership

20-Sep-2015 - Last updated on 21-Sep-2015 at 16:37 GMT

The NSF Certified for Sport program requires NSF GMP registration and dietary supplement certification, and also screens supplements for over 200 banned substances, including stimulants, narcotics, steroids, masking agents and more. Image © iStockPhoto / Razvan

Responding to “rapid growth” in demand for its dietary supplements programs, NSF International has expanded its leadership team.

Former GM Lisa Thomas will now devote her energy full time to growing the flagship NSF Certified for Sport certification program as its Technical Manager while it continues to expand.

Under Thomas’ leadership, the number of NSF-certified supplement products tripled in the last two years as manufacturers and retailers seek to demonstrate the highest levels of quality to their consumers. Currently, NSF has certified almost 800 products and ingredients and registered just over 500 facilities as GMP compliant.

The role of General Manager of NSF’s global dietary supplements program has been filled by Dr Cheryl Luther, DC. Her role will include leading NSF’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility registration program, NSF’s dietary supplement and Certified for Sport certification programs, the NSF Beverage Quality program and the training courses associated with these programs.

Dr Luthor will also be responsible for leading the dietary supplements product category for harmonized standard development for the store brand industry through the Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance (GRMA). The GRMA is also developing harmonized standards for cosmetic/personal care products, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medical devices with a focus on comprehensive auditing.

“Cheryl has a passion for health and nutrition,” said Lori Bestervelt, Executive Vice President and CTO, NSF International. “As an accomplished amateur and professional athlete with advanced training, Cheryl has a strong integrated knowledge base of the importance of tested and certified dietary supplements. Her experience of integrating certified dietary supplements into a healthy lifestyle will be an asset to NSF International and our clients.”

“My entire professional career has been to guide individuals to health and keep their bodies functioning at the highest level possible, in the cleanest and safest mode available through diet, exercise and supplementation,” said Dr. Luther. “NSF International is the perfect partner to further that reach with clean supplements and a healthy value system of truly caring about the end user.”