Afriplex becomes the first African supplement manufacturer to seek SSCI compliance

23 Apr 2024 --- The South African development and manufacturing company Afriplex, specializing in botanical extracts, complementary medicines and F&B product solutions, has become the first on the continent to pursue a Supplement Safety & Compliance Initiative (SSCI) compliance recognition.

“Afriplex’s pursuit of SSCI compliance underscores its commitment to product quality, safety and regulatory compliance,” states Robert Longrigg, Afriplex’s responsible pharmacist. 

The purpose of an SSCI certification is to enhance quality control measures within the dietary supplement industry by introducing harmonized standards across the international supply chain. It is recognized by major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. 

SSCI compliance
Afriplex is currently making advancements toward receiving an SSCI compliance certification with the purpose of distinguishing itself as a leader in the African nutritional supplement market, as well as reaffirming its dedication to meeting international benchmarks of quality and safety.

The company points to the importance of the SSCI’s methodology, which is aligned with the Consumer Goods Forum’s Global Food Safety Initiative.

As Afriplex progresses toward an SSCI certification, the company hopes to pave the way for other supplement players based in Africa to follow in its footsteps as the industry continues to increase its presence and significance on the continent. Afriplex further strives to ensure high safety and efficacy standards for the industry. 

Afriplex was established in 2001 with the aim of making traditional African botanical remedies more accessible.The development and manufacturing player was established in 2001 with the aim of unraveling traditional African botanical remedies and making them more accessible. Presently, it conceptualizes novel Complementary and Alternative Medicines. This includes plant cultivation, product R&D, product manufacturing and additional services.

Raw materials to active ingredients
The company’s extensive list of products on offer includes active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as its Afriplex GRT (Aspalathus linearis), targeting diabetes and serves as an antioxidant in syrups, drops, capsules, tablets and lotions. Its Baobab pulp powder (Adansonia digitata L.) for F&B presents a high nutritional value and is a natural antioxidant. 

Afriplex extracts natural and essential oils using a cold press or steam distillation methods that facilitate the preservation of natural aromatic compounds of products such as the Buchu Betulina Oil (Agathosma betulina P.J Bergius) for F&B applications. The ingredient is a taste enhancer and a flavor building block associated with the alleviation of urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, rheumatism and stomach ailments.

Powder extracts, such as its Rooibos 18:1 PE (Aspalathus lineari), Honeybush 20:1 PE (Cyclopia spp.) and Hibiscus PE (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), have F&B market applications, namely in beverages and confectioneries.

 By Milana Nikolova