Quick answer
"FDA registered" means the facility is registered with the FDA, which is required for food and supplement facilities. It does not mean the FDA approved, tested or endorsed the product.
Registration vs. approval
The FDA's dietary supplement Q&A states that, by law, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements or their labeling before they are sold. Facility registration is an administrative requirement.
Reading badges
- FDA registered: registration, not approval.
- GMP: see what GMP means.
- Non-GMO: a sourcing claim; ask who verified it.
What to trust instead
- A full Supplement Facts label.
- An identifiable distributor.
- Realistic claims.
- A clear refund policy.
Read the FDA's dietary supplement overview and our SodaPeak legitimacy checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is "FDA approved" the same as "FDA registered"?
No. Registered means the facility is on file with the FDA. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements.
Can a company display an FDA logo?
Companies should not use the FDA logo in a way that suggests endorsement; be cautious of badges that imply approval.
How can I check a company?
Look for a full label, a named distributor with an address, a clear refund policy and realistic claims.
Sources
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We may earn a commission from purchases made through links on this page. See our affiliate disclosure.