Eight companies have formed an organization ‒ the second of its kind ‒ that represents animal supplement manufacturers, marketers, ingredient suppliers and others in the segment. The National Association of Animal Supplement Manufacturers & Marketers (NAASM) is a non-profit organization based in Las Cruces, N.M., that aims to ensure the quality of animal supplement ingredients and products. To that end, NAASM offers guidelines for product quality assurance and adverse event reporting. It also provides support for complying with product labeling standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and for undergoing inspections by regulatory agencies. Members may display the NAASM Quality Seal on their products, websites, product literature and advertisements. Founding members are AHC Products Inc.-AniMed of Winchester, Ky.; Advantech Ltd. of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Bio-Nutrition of Las Cruces, N.M.; Calm Coat of Oldsmar, Fla.; FlavorTek Inc. of Syracuse, Neb.; Kaeco Group Inc. of Savannah, Mo.; Pharma Chemie of Syracuse, Neb.; and Vedco Inc. of Saint Joseph, Mo. Membership is by invitation only and is available to manufacturers, formulators, marketers and raw material suppliers. Associate memberships are available to companies involved in selling or distributing these products. Membership fees for all members are $500 annually. NAASM joins the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) in offering support to participants in the animal supplement industry. Mark Wolf, president of AHC Products Inc.-AniMed, which is a member of both NAASM and NASC, said having two industry support groups should be viewed as a positive. “After all, the goal of both organizations is to ensure the safety and integrity of the products we provide our animals,” Wolf said. NASC President Bill Bookout echoed Wolf’s sentiments. “As in any industry, there doesn’t necessarily have to be one organization,” Bookout said. “I think if they help ensure that industry participants act responsibly and provide quality products, it’s better for the industry.” NASC will remain focused on achieving its objectives and representing the best interests of its members, he said. “We can’t take our eye off the ball and as long as we do that, as with any business, we will succeed,” Bookout said.
