Buying Gelatin Capsules? Be Sure to Look for These Certifications
If you’re new to the encapsulation world you might think that a gelatin capsule is a gelatin capsule, and it does not matter which one you use. The reality is that there are significant differences between products, from the quality of the raw materials used to specific aspects of the capsule’s design and the quality control processes in place in the manufacturing plant.
In addition to these factors, checking to see if a company’s gelatin capsules have received important third-party certifications is one of the essential product differentiators to consider when choosing a capsule to use for your product.
Why are gelatin capsules certifications important?
The quality and integrity of your encapsulated product depend on the quality and integrity of the ingredients used to make it—including the capsule itself. Third-party certifications provide assurance that your gelatin capsules meet stringent standards.
These certifications are also important because they help make it possible for you to obtain similar certifications for your end product. In the dietary supplements market, for example, many consumers look specifically for products that display various certification icons on the product packaging. In the pharmaceutical industry, there is a growing awareness that medications must meet the dietary needs of a broad swath of people in order to succeed in the global marketplace.
Which gelatin capsules certifications should you look for?
It is recommended that you only use gelatin capsules that are:
Certified Non-GMO
Many people believe that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are or may be harmful, and therefore only purchase products that do not contain any GMOs. The Non-GMO Project is the only organization in North America that provides third-party verification and labeling for non-GMO foods and products. In the dietary supplements market, Non-GMO Certification is especially important to consumers who seek out “clean” or “natural” products.
Certified Kosher
Gelatin capsules that have received Kosher Certification meet the strict rules of Jewish dietary laws, which are known as “Kashrut.” For gelatin capsules a key aspect of this is that the gelatin cannot come from porcine (i.e., pork) sources. The gelatin must be derived from animals such as cattle that can be consumed under Kosher dietary laws, and these animals must have been killed according to the laws of Kashrut.
In addition, every ingredient used to make the gelatin capsules must be Kosher, and all derivatives, tools and machines used to make the capsules must not contain any trace of non-Kosher substances.
Certified Halal
“Halal” is an Arab word that means “permissible” or “lawful.” Gelatin capsules that have received Halal Certification are permissible for those who follow Islamic dietary laws. Halal products cannot contain any prohibited ingredients, including pork and alcohol, or include any forbidden procedures in its manufacturing or processing.
Because of the prohibition of pork products, most gelatin capsules that are certified Halal are made from bovine (i.e., cattle) gelatin. These cattle must have been slaughtered using a single cut, and the gelatin cannot have come in contact with products from animals slaughtered using other methods. Furthermore, to receive Halal certification, the capsules must have been processed and manufactured using equipment that was cleansed according to Islamic law.
Certified free of allergens, preservatives, and starches
Because capsules are consumed, it is important to ensure that they are free of common food allergens. According to FARE, a national food allergy organization, “although nearly any food can trigger an allergic reaction, there are nine foods that cause the majority of reactions.” These nine allergens are: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy, wheat, shellfish, fish and sesame. Look for gelatin capsules that are free of preservatives and starches as well as these common allergens.
The best way to ensure that your gelatin capsules meet these standards is to only work with manufacturers that provide a complete Composition Certification. This third-party certificate of analysis documents all of the ingredients used to make the capsules.
G-CAPS® meet all of these standards and more
G-CAPS® gelatin capsules are certified Kosher, Halal and non-GMO, free of allergens, preservatives and starches, and made in a cGMP certified facility. In addition, G-CAPS® are the only gelatin capsules made by a company that owns its entire gelatin capsule supply chain, starting with the raw materials. This vertical integration ensures consistent high quality and the reliability of long-term supply.
