Jiaherb has introduced a unique chain-of-custody program, HerbaLink, designed to offer transparency in product identification and traceability. The program not only assures best practices in identifying sustainable and socially conscious ingredient sources, but also the implementation of stringent testing methods that include DNA, HPTLC, HPLC, and GC throughout the processing and preparation of the finished product—documenting every link of the product’s journey from harvest to packaging. 

The company said it recognizes there is uncertainty among manufacturers and consumers about the integral quality of botanical products in today’s marketplace. Jiaherb’s HerbaLink program is intended to demonstrate the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, and to ease concerns about any product integrity. 

The HerbaLink program consists of three parts:

• Botanical Identification Report, which includes an authenticated reference or botanical voucher of the correct plant species from Jiaherb’s herbarium. 
• Macroscopic Identification Report that describes the physical characteristics of the plant such as size, shape, color, or texture as well as its organoleptic characteristics such as smell and taste. 
• Chemical Identification Report that includes a detailed method of analysis by HPTLC, HPLC, or GC which provides both quantitative and qualitative information of the material.  

The process of identifying material and ensuring pure and unadulterated extracts is nothing new for Jiaherb, according to Chris Oesterheld, executive vice president. “In the last couple of years there has been a strong push for more clear and accurate information in the form of documentation,” he said, “and thus we created an efficient way of presenting all this information in a single packet presentation.” 

Scott Chen, president of Jiaherb, added, “HerbaLink describes meticulously each link in the supply chain, from species identification to finished powder or extract.”