Which entity could evaluate and confirm the contents of dietary supplements if the manufacturer wants?

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the entity that can evaluate and confirm the contents of dietary supplements if a manufacturer requests it. The USP is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets quality standards for medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements. Its verification program for dietary supplements ensures that a product meets specific criteria in terms of identity, potency, purity, and consistency.

When a manufacturer opts for USP verification, it signifies that the dietary supplement has been tested for accuracy in labeling and that it contains the ingredients and amounts stated on the label, without harmful levels of contaminants. This independent testing helps build consumer trust in the product.

Other entities, while they play important roles in food and health, focus on different areas. The FDA primarily regulates food safety and has authority over dietary supplements, but it does not routinely confirm or verify the contents of supplements unless there are safety issues. The EPA focuses on environmental protection and regulation of pesticides, while the NIH is involved in biomedical research and does not conduct evaluations specifically for dietary supplements. Thus, the USP's dedicated role in standard-setting and quality assurance makes it the appropriate choice for confirming dietary supplement contents.