The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization that independently offers GMO test verification and labeling for non-GMO products. Their verification is process-based, using traceability, segregation, and testing to ensure compliance with their standards.
Companies looking to receive the Non-GMO Project stamp must follow the project’s standards of best practices and have product testing conducted at various stages of production, anywhere from the field to the packaging facility.
Despite their inspection process, the project can’t legally claim products to be “GMO-free” because the contamination risks to seeds, crops, and ingredients are too high. However, they’re the only organization offering independent verification of testing for GMO products in the US and Canada.
What does the Non-GMO Project’s Verification Process require?
- Requires ongoing testing of all at-risk ingredients – any ingredient that is grown commercially in GMO form must be tested prior to use in a verified product.
- They use an Action Threshold of 0.9%. This is in alignment with laws in the European Union, where any product containing more than 0.9% GMO must be labeled.
- The absence of all GMOs is the target for all Non-GMO Project Standard compliant products. Continuous improvement towards achieving this goal must be part of the Participant’s quality management systems.
- After the test, they require rigorous traceability and segregation practices to be followed in order to ensure ingredient integrity through to the finished product.
- For low-risk ingredients, they conduct a review of ingredient specification sheets to determine the absence of GMO risk.
- Verification is maintained through an annual audit, along with on-site inspections for high-risk products.
Thymly Products is proud to be a leading manufacturer of food ingredients for commercial bakers. We work to form partnerships with commercial bakers and other organizations like Kudo Blending and businesses in the baking community. Please contact your sales rep to learn more about how Thymly Products can assist in the Non-GMO project.
