CVS Health is launching a new program that will require third-party testing on all vitamins and supplements sold at its stores to ensure accuracy of the dietary ingredients and guard against contamination.
The move is the first of its kind by any major pharmacy and comes as concerns increase about the regulation lapses in the vitamin and supplement industry. While the FDA does regulate vitamins and supplements after they hit the market, the agency is not required to screen their contents for accuracy.
More than 1,400 vitamins and supplements have been tested through CVS's "Tested to Be Trusted" program and 7 percent failed the inspection. The products were either pulled from the shelves or had their labels corrected.
"CVS Pharmacy's requirement of third-party testing of all vitamins and supplements uniquely positions us as a trusted retailer and health partner where consumers can shop for proactive wellness solutions with confidence," said Kevin Hourican, president of CVS Pharmacy and executive vice president of CVS Health.