A major difficulty with regard to todays world of supplements and other nutraceuticals is the burning question, " Is this an integrous and/or effective product? " While our right to purchase dietary supplements is protected (which is a good thing), the door has been left open to those less apt to formulate products with integrity. As a result, store shelves and the world wide web are absolutely overflowing with products that are the nutritional equivalent of swallowing rice paper. So sad but undeniably true. That is, unless one is affiliated with the International Aloe Science Council ( IASC) when the supplement in question is an aloe product. The IASC was formed in the early 1980's when it was felt the aloe industry was abused as far as manufacturers claims at that time regarding the amount and therapeutic value of the aloe in their products. Manufacturers and suppliers had and sadly still have no problem whatsoever misleading the consumer with false aloe claims and the like. Hence the birth of the IASC which is the equivalent of The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. The IASC was formed with you, the consumer in mind. Rest assured, these people are NOT kidding around in the slightest. The IASC certification program allows growers, manufacturers and processors to submit BOTH their facilities and their products to go through a series of stringent tests that are unsurpassed. If a facility and its products are proven to have what it takes, they earn the authorized seal of the IASC and may place this seal on all of their product labels and literature. Rest assured, this authorization by the IASC is a huge achievement. When a nutritional company displays the IASC seal on their products, the consumer may be assured of the following: The company represents accurately the amount of aloe in their product, the company pledges that their aloe quality is consistent with IASC standards and the company is using aloe derived from a certified source. Most important of all, the company guarantees truth in labeling and backs this up with independent verification. A company MUST apply in order to have their aloe certified. If an application is accepted, the IASC inspection and audit team conducts an onsite visit and inspection of the company's facility. Samples of aloe are taken for further evaluation and testing. Upon completion of the rigorous inspection and evaluation process, a recommendation is made to the IASC board on whether or not to certify. It is refreshing to see such a rigorous certification process in this world of prolific and questionable health products,. A process put forth to protect the end user, which is you, the consumer. When choosing aloe products, ALWAYS look for the IASC seal of approval. |
