How to keep formulas given to supplement manufacturers confidential?

When entrusting OEM supplements manufacturers with the formulation of health products, clients aim to minimize the chances of others knowing the ingredients of their products. However, OEM manufacturers need a detailed and accurate understanding of the product ingredients for specified samples and mass production. It seems to be an inherent contradiction between these two objectives. Pesicon Holdings has developed a mature solution to address this issue concerning the confidentiality of outsourcing processed health food.

At what point does the supplement OEM manufacturer know the formula?

1. Product sampling: Supplement manufacturers need to know the main ingredient composition of your formula. Then precise measurement and the addition of supplementary ingredients to guarantee the processing and formation of products like tablets and granules. The goal is to achieve the desired taste, solubility, and the content of the main ingredients in each unit product.

2. Material supply: OEM manufacturers need to prepare sufficient raw materials for mass production. Whether the factory buys or the client supplies, raw materials must be purchased based on the proportions of the formula. This is why many clients prefer to provide mixed main materials.

3. Formal production: The mass production in the GMP workshop of supplement OEM manufacturers relies on the data from product samples. This activity is carried out with knowledge of the formula and is based on the final formula after test. If the factory is unaware of what it is producing, it cannot proceed with production.

Formula confidentiality issues are particularly prominent in the three stages mentioned above. Some clients may also notice that, during the business negotiation phase before cooperation, factories may ask information on the ingredients of the client's products for regulatory compliance checks, especially for OEM processing of herbal products. Actually, there is no issue of formula security in this stage, as supplement factories do not request the proportions of the components, only verifying the names of the ingredients.

How to solve the problem of confidentiality of supplement formulas?

1.Confidentiality Agreement

Supplement OEM manufacturers will sign a confidentiality agreement with clients, outlining detailed and clear requirements for keeping the composition names and proportions of the product confidential. If not separately signed, this can be included in the formal health product OEM processing agreement.

2.Applying for Formula Patents

Invention patents can be applied for a new technical solution regarding products, methods, or improvements to products or methods. Since food formulas fall under product improvement, it is possible to apply for an invention patent. Intellectual property protection can secure both the formula and the manufacturing process.

Misunderstandings about keeping the formula of supplements confidential:

1.Self-Mixing of Raw Materials

Attempting to maintain formula confidentiality by providing two or more mixed raw materials. This solution compromises the quality control of the product at the source, and factories are less likely to accept such orders.

2.Applying for Individual Food Production License

A food production license, or food number, is an implementation standard number for food production. Only factories with production qualifications can apply for it. Besides, it has corresponding national standards for OEM projects such as compressed candy tablets and solid beverage OEM, no need for separate applications.

The issue of formula confidentiality in OEM processing is a continual concern for clients. By signing agreements and patent applications, safety can be effectively increased. Factories specializing in OEM business of traditional Chinese medicine food and health products with the same origin as medicine and food will not sacrifice their years of reputation.