NSF International acquires DNA-based testing laboratory AuthenTechnologies

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based NSF International, a not-for-profit public health and standard development organization that provides auditing, testing and certification services for the dietary supplement, natural product and food industries, said it acquired AuthenTechnologies, Richmond, Calif. The company provides next-generation DNA-based species identification services that improve the authenticity, safety and quality of natural products, including dietary supplements, foods and other consumer products.

Unlike traditional DNA barcoding, which relies on longer segments of the same DNA region for identification, AuthenTechnologies employs a highly specific and sensitive method capable of identifying almost any species using shorter segments and validated reference materials. This includes the detection of unexpected contaminants, even those that cannot be distinguished morphologically or chemically. AuthenTechnologies’ next-generation DNA sequencing can successfully identify materials consisting of a single species or a mixture of many species, as well as screen for GMOs, allergens, fillers and filth for a range of leading natural and consumer product companies, NSF International said.

With the acquisition, NSF International’s dietary supplement and food industry clients now have access to the most advanced DNA testing technology available. Combined with NSF International’s 70 years of auditing, testing and certification expertise, the technology allows for the definitive determination of the authenticity of raw materials, providing retailers and manufacturers the best method for reducing the risk of mislabeling products, adulteration, or safety and regulatory breaches, the company said.

The DNA testing technology provides the highest quality and safety for consumers of dietary supplements, botanicals, food, seafood, cosmetics and other natural products. The technology also strengthens NSF’s supply chain food safety, seafood, non-GMO and gluten-free certification programs, and will be a core component of NSF services designed to help companies avoid issues of food adulteration and fraud, the company said.

The DNA testing technology will allow retailers and manufacturers to verify the authenticity of botanical supplement ingredients, as well as the authenticity, safety and quality of globally sourced ingredients. The technology could be used to identify adulteration, mislabeling and counterfeiting issues with personal care and cosmetic products, to verify claims such as gluten free, non-GMO, and True Source Honey, and to verify the authenticity of seafood and fish products.

“For more than 70 years, NSF International has helped establish product quality and safety standards for a wide range of industries utilizing the best science and technology available. The superior next-generation DNA test methods currently in use by AuthenTechnologies will enable NSF International to continue this work, particularly for industries facing new challenges associated with global food and dietary ingredient supply chains,” said Dr. Lori Bestervelt, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief technology officer, NSF International. “As the food supply chain becomes more complex and regulations continue to evolve and become more rigorous, this technology is becoming essential to achieving regulatory compliance and brand protection while preventing issues associated with fraud, mislabeling and adulteration.”

AuthenTechnologies will be renamed NSF AuthenTechnologies and will work within NSF International’s global network of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, state-of-the-art laboratories. It will continue to be led by co-founder Dr. Reynaud, who joins NSF International as global director of scientific innovation, NSF International said.