Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/492796
T 32B April 2015 Tablets & Capsules testing & verification What standard? Investigation raises questions about DNA testing Evan Hansen Senior Editor In February, four national retailers were ordered to stop selling dozens of dietary supplements based on results of DNA testing. This article examines the test method and raises questions about the New York investigation predicated on it. Eight days later, Schneiderman issued subpoenas threatening legal action if the chains involved—GNC, Walmart, Target, and Walgreens—did not produce scien- tific evidence to substantiate their structure/function claims as well as documentation of ingredient testing and quality control procedures. The companies all cooperated by pulling their prod- ucts off the shelves right away. Just as quickly, trade groups such as the Natural Products Association (NPA) and Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) disputed the AG's charges. They questioned the investigation's reliance on "DNA bar-coding" analysis, a test they deemed incomplete, unreliable, and unproven for verify- ing botanical dietary supplements [1, 2]. he nutritional supplement industry found itself facing a new adversary in early February when New York State Attorney General (AG), Eric Schneiderman, sent cease- and-desist letters to four of the nation's largest vitamin and supplement retailers. The letters alleged that four out of five of the 78 store-brand products tested did not con- tain the ingredients listed on their label.