Marketers of sports supplements must not only be careful as to who is manufacturing their products, but where they, or their manufacturers, are getting their raw materials. As part of the GMP practices, distributors must also make sure their raw materials are in compliance.

This obligation can be complicated by overseas suppliers where there may be less regulatory oversight. However, a recent development in India shows that this might be changing.

A regional government in India has suspended the license of an herbal drug manufacturing company for allegedly mixing steroids and other pharmaceutical products. In addition, the owner of the company and a distributor were charged criminally.

Why is this important?  While it is good business to try and find your ingredients for the cheapest price possible, one cannot sacrifice quality for price if it will end up being more expensive in the long run. Such a decision could ultimately result in a product recall or costly class action litigation.

Though overseas governments may take action when their laws and policies are violated, one should not and cannot rely on that enforcement. Know your supplier. Have your raw materials tested and validated. It will save a lot in the long run.

Read the full story at: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/punjab-suspends-pharma-firms-licence-for-mixing-steroids-in-herbal-drugs/644068/