Thomas Gerlach wrote:
So I just brought this up in the other thread on the topic and the problem is that is there are so many places for error. You can:
- Source the ingredients yourself
- Test them to make sure they are clean
- Make your batch
- Distribute
But just look at Wells Fargo, one of the World's Largest Banks. You still have to ensure that people DO their jobs ethically. Who is to say the analytical people don't to do their job correctly or maybe management says "don't test that batch, we need to save some money".
When it comes down to it there is no 100% absolute guarantee and there is always going to be the possibility for things to go wrong. In addition, I think large companies like Clif, Powerbar, Gu give the illusion of security but we don't really know. One product I use by Powerbar is cNSF and that is their
Beta-Alanine. Obviously post-production analysis is going to be your best chance at reducing positive tests.
Fwiw, Base I believe is made in New York or New Jersey - but I believe they changed it up in the last year or so. As for me, I haven't kept bottles, but like I said my processes are going to change because of this. Yesterday I had to re-order Vitamin D. Instead of going with a 500 capsule bottle I went with 5x100 capsule bottles for this very reason. It was more expensive to do so. In addition, what happens when I get to the last bottle and I don't have another unopened bottle? Do I just re-order and hope I get the same batch lot again? If not I guess I would have to pitch the 5th bottle.
I agree on the personnel issue. You can have all the policies/procedures in place, but if the person doesn't do their job, then the product could be compromised.
Regarding large companies, perhaps I'm naive, but my hope is that those companies are more likely to have folks with the proper education/expertise to ensure quality control/quality assurance/product quality. I'm less certain if people with those qualifications are employed by smaller supplement companies.
I agree with your decision to retain un-opened bottles of supplements. Based on the uncertainty around quality in supplements, I think it's part of the "cost" of being a professional athlete.