Labeling Compliance, Traceability, and Health Claim Validity of Commercial Dietary Supplements: A Cross-sectional Food Control Audit in a North African Market

Abstract

Background: Dietary supplements are widely marketed through formal health-related retail channels; however, their labelling quality, traceability, and health claim validity require systematic monitoring. Aims: This study audited the labelling compliance, traceability, ingredient profiles, and packaging claims of commercial dietary supplements available through formal supply chains in Western Algeria. Methods: A cross-sectional food control audit was conducted over two months in community pharmacies and specialised parapharmaceutical outlets in Sidi Bel Abbes, Saïda, and Mascara. A total of 202 dietary supplement products were assessed using a structured evaluation grid. Product origin, galenic form, primary ingredient category, ingredient declarations, regulatory labelling items, safety warnings, daily intake information, and commercial claims were recorded. Compliance was assessed against Algerian national labelling requirements and selected international food-labelling benchmarks. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise product characteristics and compliance rates, and bivariate analyses were used to explore associations between compliance indicators and product characteristics. Results: Of the 202 audited products, 104 (51.5%) were domestically manufactured, 91 (45.0%) originated from highly regulated jurisdictions, and 7 (3.5%) came from other jurisdictions. Capsules were the most common galenic form (54.0%), followed by tablets (23.8%). Vitamins represented the largest primary ingredient category (54.5%), followed by botanicals (27.2%). Overall compliance with Algerian national requirements was 92.6%, while compliance with selected international framework indicators was 80.3%. Lower compliance was observed for allergen warning disclosure (58.4%) and quantitative daily portion breakdown of vitamins and minerals (52.0%). Functional or health-related claims appeared on 90.1% of products, with digestive system optimisation, fatigue mitigation, and immune support being the most frequent claim domains. Conclusion: The audited products showed good basic administrative traceability, but important gaps remained in safety-related disclosures and claim presentation. Strengthened label review, clearer claim control, and risk-based post-market surveillance are needed to improve consumer protection.