(4–5 min read)

How Do I Know My Supplement is Safe?

Choosing supplements can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how can you be confident that a product is responsibly manufactured and compliant with South African regulations?

Understanding how regulatory oversight works can help you make informed decisions.

What Does SAHPRA Do?

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) oversees the regulation of certain Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) such as vitamins, herbal products, and nutritional supplements.

For complementary medicines, SAHPRA requires companies to:

• Follow strict labelling, advertising, and marketing guidelines
• Manufacture products according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Comply with the Medicines and Related Substances Act (MRSA)

This regulatory framework helps ensure that products are produced and marketed responsibly.

Why Compliance Matters

Operating in compliance with SAHPRA regulations demonstrates a company’s commitment to proper practices and adherence to rules governing production, labelling, and claims.

Compliance means you can have confidence that:

• Labels accurately reflect ingredients and dosage
• Products are manufactured under controlled, quality-assured conditions
• Marketing and advertising claims align with regulatory requirements

Companies that do not follow regulatory requirements may fail to meet proper manufacturing, labelling, or advertising standards, making it more difficult for consumers to assess product quality and transparency.

While regulatory compliance does not guarantee a product’s safety or effectiveness, it demonstrates that a company operates within recognised legal and quality frameworks — an important consideration when choosing a supplement.

Additional Certifications: Why They Matter

Some certifications are voluntary, meaning they are not required by law. When a company chooses to obtain them, it reflects an added commitment to quality and responsible operations.

With its additional certifications, Genologix provides customers with extra confidence that the company is committed to quality, compliance, and ethical manufacturing.

ISO Certification

Genologix is certified to:

• ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
• ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management Systems

ISO 9001 ensures structured, consistent, and continuously improved quality processes.

ISO 22000 focuses on food safety, covering everything from raw materials through to final packaging.

Together, these standards demonstrate structured quality and safety management systems.

Proudly South African

This confirms that products are locally manufactured and support South African industry and employment.

Halaal Certification

Genologix is certified by SANHA (South African National Halaal Authority), ensuring products meet recognised dietary and religious standards for Muslim consumers.

Marketing Code Authority (MCA)

MCA membership demonstrates adherence to additional advertising and marketing standards where applicable.

Final Thoughts

When selecting a supplement, it’s important to look beyond the label. Consider whether the company:

• Complies with SAHPRA regulations
• Manufactures according to recognised quality standards
• Holds relevant voluntary certifications
• Operates transparently and responsibly

Choosing supplements from a company that prioritises compliance and quality systems allows you to make more informed decisions about the products you use.

The Genologix Team