In health food and supplement development, raw material selection greatly affects quality and cost. Here are the basics to check when sourcing.
In shortWhen sourcing health food ingredients, always check these five points: (1) specification/grade (food, pharmaceutical, or feed grade), (2) identification by CAS number, (3) the COA (Certificate of Analysis), (4) origin and traceability, and (5) lot size / MOQ. Confirming all five is what makes balancing quality and cost possible.
1. Specification / Grade
Confirm the material meets the grade for its intended use (food/pharmaceutical/feed). For food additives, the Japanese Standards for Food Additives is the benchmark.
2. CAS Number
The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance. Since salts and hydrates have different CAS numbers, make sure it matches the intended form.
3. COA / 4. Traceability / 5. Lot & MOQ
A lot-by-lot Certificate of Analysis is key to quality confirmation. Origin, manufacturing history, and minimum order quantity (MOQ) also affect your plans.
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FAQ
What should I check first when sourcing raw materials?
First confirm the specification/grade for the intended use (whether it meets standards such as the Japanese Standards for Food Additives). Then identify the substance by CAS number and verify measured values in the COA.
Why is the CAS number important?
The CAS number uniquely identifies a chemical substance, preventing mix-ups caused by naming variations. It is the reference for ordering, spec confirmation, and regulatory checks.
Can I source small lots or samples?
Yes. FONTIA flexibly handles small-lot and sample requests for trial and development stages. Please contact us for the minimum order quantity (MOQ).