Quality Control & Assurance - NOW® Foods Greece

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JMN Pharmaceutical SA is a Greek company operating in the field of dietary supplements and, more broadly, in the healthcare and wellness sector. Its main activities focus on the development, commercial promotion, and distribution of pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical products, as well as products for special dietary needs.

JMN Pharmaceutical SA was established in 2008 in Ioannina, Greece. The company's rapid growth led to its expansion into the Industrial Area of Ioannina (B.I.PE.), where its warehouses, covering a total area of 1,200 sq. m., were located until the end of 2016. Subsequently, the warehouses were relocated to Mandra, Attica, where they remain today. The company's accounting department and order processing department remain located in the center of Ioannina.

In 2008, the company's sales department, based in Athens, was added to its operations. The department is responsible for promoting the company's products through both retail and wholesale channels, in Greece and abroad. In 2014, the Research and Development (R&D) Department was established, with the aim of developing and producing products featuring high-quality and innovative characteristics.

Today, JMN Pharmaceutical SA operates both in the Greek and international markets.

Activities

The activities of JMN Pharmaceutical SA in Greece include the import, export, distribution, and trading of pharmaceutical preparations, organically produced products, and dietary supplements. The company holds the exclusive rights for the marketing and distribution of NOW^® Health Group products in Greece and Cyprus.

According to SPINS^ΤΜ, NOW^® Health Group is one of the leading companies worldwide in the dietary supplements sector. It is an American company engaged in the production of natural products, including dietary supplements, natural foods, sports nutrition products, herbal extracts, essential oils, natural sweeteners, dermocosmetics, and other products. At the same time, the company places particular emphasis on social and environmental responsibility.

In addition to being the exclusive representative of NOW^® Health Group products, JMN Pharmaceutical SA also offers a range of products under its own brand name, NATURA VITA, featuring innovative formulas developed by the company's Research and Development (R&D) Department. These products are marketed both in the Greek market and in international markets, including Italy, among others.

Indicatively, the NATURA VITA product range includes:
- NATURA VITA Dietary Supplements
- NATURA VITA Protein Foods
- NATURA VITA Healthy Foods
Services - Facilities

JMN Pharmaceutical SA remains committed to the values it established from the very beginning of its operations. The services it provides include ensuring the high quality of its products and their effectiveness for consumers who need them.

Detailed product inspections and the determination of scientifically substantiated expiry dates constitute an integral part of the company's operations, contributing to the maintenance of product quality throughout the storage period. The facilities housing the company's warehouses comply with strict storage standards for food and dietary supplements.

JMN Pharmaceutical SA has obtained a quality management system certification in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard, while the certification is reassessed on an annual basis in accordance with the requirements of the applicable ISO 9001 standard.

Objectives

The objectives of JMN Pharmaceutical SA include promoting innovation and establishing cooperation agreements with new companies of high scientific standing. At the same time, a key priority is the continuous renewal of its product portfolio through the development and distribution of modern and innovative products.

In an international economic environment characterized by continuously changing consumer preferences, demand for products that have undergone the necessary quality controls is showing a steady upward trend. Consumers increasingly place particular importance on:
- the quality and reliability of products,
- the variety and innovation of available products, and
- the ease of distributing products between countries.
Despite the economic challenges faced by the Greek market, JMN Pharmaceutical SA continues to expand its product portfolio, aiming to meet the needs of even the most demanding consumers while maintaining its commitment to quality and the consistency that characterize its operations.

Values

One of the fundamental principles of JMN Pharmaceutical SA is consistency and reliability towards its customers and partners. Therefore, the company is committed to ensuring:
- continuous scientific and technological progress,
- the maintenance of high quality standards,
- the development of excellent relationships with both customers and partners, and
- the creation of an excellent and supportive working environment for its employees.
Corporate Social Responsibility

JMN Pharmaceutical SA is a company that meets the necessary standards to be regarded as an example of corporate social responsibility. Financial transparency, compliance with national and international accounting standards, as well as initiatives undertaken by the Sales Department, constitute key elements for adherence to good business practices and compliance with the applicable code of ethics. It is also worth noting that the company's practices and initiatives significantly exceed the minimum requirements established by the legislative framework at both national and international levels.

i. Staff

Industry-leading laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art instrumentation won’t get you far without an expert technical staff. NOW has gone to great lengths to recruit some of the brightest and most qualified scientists and technicians in the natural products industry. Our staff includes 24 Master’s degree holders, 12 Ph.D.s, one M.D., a board certified toxicologist, a multitude of Bachelor’s degree holders and more. We employ well over 100 Quality Control staff members, who work three shifts five to six days a week. At NOW Foods quality never rests thanks to the efforts of our dedicated technical staff.

Analytical Instrumentation

NOW invests heavily in the instruments necessary to guarantee the safety and quality of our products. For more information on NOW’s robust and industry-leading Quality Control and Assurance programs please visit www.nowfoods.

Soleris® Rapid Microbiological System

Rapid method for detecting the presence of harmful pathogens
Measures microbial growth by monitoring pH and biochemical reactions
NOW uses Soleris^®to detect unwanted contaminants

HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography)

Versatile analytical instrument that is the workhorse of NOW’s analytical laboratories
Able to analyze a variety of components in raw material samples
NOW uses HPLC to conduct a wide variety of tests on ingredients and raw materials

HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography)

Visual chromatography technique used by botanists to identify the composition of plant-derived powders and extracts
NOW uses HPTLC to confirm the identity of botanicals such as Black Cohosh and Goldenseal
This technology helps NOW to correctly identify botanical species and ensure labeling accuracy

GC (gas chromatography)

Used to analyze volatile components in a mixture
Similar to HPLC except the analysis is performed on a gas instead of a liquid
NOW uses GC to analyze fatty acids in marine- and plant-based oils as well as other compounds such as MSM

ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry)

Analytical technique used by chemists to determine the elemental composition of a sample
Very sensitive technique that allows the detection of very low levels of elements
NOW uses ICPMS to measure minerals such as calcium and magnesium and to test for heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury

TOF-MS (time-of-flight mass spectrometry)

Capable of identifying a sample chemical by measuring its molecular weight; analogous to an extremely sensitive balance
Provides accurate mass analyses for profiling, identifying, characterizing and quantifying low Molecular weight compounds and biomolecules
NOW uses TOF- MS for the analysis of ingredients in finished products where regular HPLC doesn't work

UV/Vis (ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy)

Analytical technique used by NOW to measure the content of a compound in a liquid by light absorption for the purpose of confirming identity and strength
Different colors of light are absorbed differently by different compounds
Selectivity can be achieved by varying light wavelength

LCMS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry)

This analytical technique couples the separation capabilities of HPLC with the detection capabilities of a mass spectrometer
Helps to identify unknown components or confirm the presence of components in a sample
NOW chemists use LCMS to develop cutting-edge methods to identify a new active component or to seek out unwanted adulterants

IR (infrared spectroscopy)

A non-destructive analytical technique used by NOW to identify raw materials
This technique involves treating a sample with energy in order to make the chemical bonds vibrate
Vibrational patterns will vary due to each raw material’s unique chemical bonds
NOW has developed a unique IR technique that also allows for the detection of adulterants in ingredients

ii. Laboratory Facilities & Capabilities

Analytical Preparation Laboratory

Raw material and ingredient sample testing is performed in our Analytical Preparation laboratory. We confirm the identity of all incoming raw materials, as well as the quality of these materials and the levels of certain biomarkers and active components.

Physical Testing Laboratory

Once raw material and ingredient samples have been prepared they’re sent to Physical Testing for further analysis and verification of identity and purity.

Research & Development Pilot Plant

The R&D Pilot Plant is where new formulation and product ideas are developed and tested. Our R&D team is constantly seeking new synergistic ingredient combinations that can support health and well-being and advance the science of natural health and nutrition.

Microbiology Laboratory

Microbiological screening is an extremely important step in guaranteeing natural product quality. Our Microbiology laboratory, which includes the Soleris® Rapid Microbiological System, gives us the capability to test incoming raw materials as well as finished products for the presence of microbiological contaminants. Our microbiological testing program is designed to ensure the safety of all of our products from raw materials to finished goods.

Sensory Laboratory

The Sensory laboratory is where science must meld with sensation. Sensory evaluation participants review selected products and rate their sensory, or organoleptic, properties. Sensory evaluation ensures that NOW® products taste great and are pleasing to all of the senses.

Analytical Testing Laboratory

When an ingredient or finished product needs comprehensive scientific analysis it’s sent to the Analytical Testing laboratory. The heart of NOW’s Quality Control and Quality Assurance efforts, the Analytical lab is home to some of the most advanced analytical instrumentation currently available. Here you’ll find many of the precision instruments detailed in the preceding pages, such as high performance liquid chromatographs, gas chromatographs, infrared spectroscopes and more.

Personal Care Laboratory

Personal Care products and ingredients require unique and specialized processes and analyses that our Personal Care laboratory is specifically equipped to handle.

Methods Development Laboratory

If Analytical Testing is the heart of NOW’s quality efforts, then Methods Development is the brain. It’s here that NOW scientists use science and chemistry to explore potential new methods for the analysis of natural product ingredients. NOW’s Methods Development group is credited with the discovery of a new analytical technique that allows for rapid identity confirmation of glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as a method to stabilize s-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, allowing it to be offered in supplemental tablet form.

ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) Laboratory

NOW’s ICPMS laboratory is where we enter rarified air. NOW has been using this advanced analytical instrument since 2007, but most natural product manufacturers are just now starting to employ this sophisticated testing method. ICPMS is an extremely sensitive technique used by scientists to determine the elemental composition of an ingredient sample. NOW uses ICPMS to measure minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, as well as to test for minute levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. NOW currently utilizes three ICPMS instruments, a rarity in the realm of dietary supplement manufacturers, where some may have one ICPMS, but most have none.

GC (gas chromatography) Laboratory

Our Gas Chromatography laboratory is where we analyze the volatile components of various mixtures. NOW scientists utilize gas chromatography to analyze fatty acids in marine oils and botanicals.

JMN - Join Molecular Nutrition