The food supplement industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increased awareness of health and wellbeing. Millions of people around the world consume supplements to complement their diet and improve their quality of life. These products range from vitamins and minerals to proteins, probiotics, amino acids and herbal extracts, each with specific health benefits. The importance of these supplements lies in their ability to support the immune system, improve digestion, enhance physical and mental performance, or compensate for nutritional deficiencies in different population groups.
In this context, logistics plays a key role in the food supplement industry. From their production in the factory to their arrival at warehouses or points of sale, these products must be stored, transported and distributed according to strict controls to guarantee their quality and safety. The logistics of food supplements is subject to various regulations governing aspects such as storage temperature, product traceability, hygienic transport conditions and the correct identification of ingredients on labeling. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid legal problems and to ensure the safety of the end consumer.
Internationally, different countries and regions have established specific regulations for the logistics of food supplements. In Spain and the European Union, the regulation is established by Directive 2002/46/EC, which regulates labeling and permitted ingredients, while Regulation (EC) 178/2002 establishes the principles of food safety, including traceability and operator responsibility. In the United Kingdom, following Brexit, similar regulations apply through the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which require clear labeling and regulate ingredients and nutritional claims.
In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulates supplements according to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, as well as imposing Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards for manufacturing, storing and distributing these products. In other countries, such as Canada, supplements are regulated as natural health products under the Ministry of Health’s Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR), which stipulate that they must be authorized prior to marketing. In China, supplements are considered “health foods” and are regulated by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), which imposes strict registration, labeling and safety requirements. In Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Brazil, Mercosur regulations establish specific requirements for the commercialization and labeling of food supplements.
A company specializing in the transport, storage and distribution of food supplements
Applying these regulations correctly is key to guaranteeing the legality of the marketing and distribution of food supplements in international markets. Therefore, having a specialized logistics partner to help us export or import food supplements is essential for ensuring compliance with all regulations and optimizing distribution processes.
At Airpharm we specialize in logistics for companies in the food supplement industry. We offer solutions adapted to the regulations in force in each market, guaranteeing traceability, safety and efficiency in the distribution of these products.
