Bob's Red Mill's General Stance on GMOs
Bob's Red Mill has a long-standing commitment to sourcing high-quality, whole-grain foods from ingredients that have not been genetically engineered. This dedication to wholesome food has been a core principle for the company since its inception. While the company's products are widely considered non-GMO by consumers, understanding the specifics of their verification processes provides a more complete picture of their commitment.
Non-GMO Project Verified Products
For many consumers, the butterfly logo of the Non-GMO Project is the most recognizable sign of a product's non-GMO status. Bob's Red Mill participates extensively in this program, with over 240 of their products being Non-GMO Project Verified. This certification is given to products that comply with the Non-GMO Project Standard, which includes strict requirements for ingredient sourcing, handling, and traceability. The program ensures that ingredients are tracked through an identity preservation system to prevent mixing with unverified materials during processing. By opting for these products, consumers can be confident they are purchasing items that meet a rigorous third-party standard.
The 'Sourced Non-GMO Pledge'
In an effort to provide even greater clarity for consumers, Bob's Red Mill introduced its "Sourced Non-GMO Pledge" emblem for products not included in the official Non-GMO Project verification. This applies to items for which formal verification is challenging due to regulatory complexities or proprietary manufacturing information from suppliers. The pledge signifies that Bob's Red Mill sources ingredients from suppliers who have provided documentation confirming their ingredients were made without modern biotechnology. The company's internal Food Safety and Quality team annually audits and verifies this documentation to ensure the integrity of the pledge is maintained.
The Importance of Organic Certification
For customers seeking the highest level of assurance regarding non-GMO ingredients, Bob's Red Mill offers many USDA Certified Organic products. The USDA National Organic Program standards prohibit the use of genetically engineered ingredients in certified organic foods. Therefore, any Bob's Red Mill product bearing the USDA Organic seal is, by definition, non-GMO. The company has been third-party certified organic by Quality Assurance International since 2002.
Specifics on Unverified Ingredients
Some ingredients, specifically dairy, soy, corn, and certain microbial products like yeast, may be technically "unverified" by the Non-GMO Project. The reasons for this can vary, from complex regulatory frameworks to proprietary information held by suppliers.
For these particular ingredients, Bob's Red Mill follows its robust internal quality control and food safety programs. They require annual documentation from vendors affirming that the ingredients were produced without modern biotechnology. This process demonstrates their continued effort to source only non-GMO materials, even when full third-party verification is not feasible for every single component.
A Comparison of Non-GMO Credentials
To help clarify the differences between product types, the following table compares the standards applied to Bob's Red Mill's offerings.
| Feature | Non-GMO Project Verified Products | Sourced Non-GMO Pledge Products | USDA Organic Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verification | Third-party verified by the Non-GMO Project | Internally verified using supplier documentation | Third-party certified by QAI to USDA standards |
| Traceability | Uses an identity preservation system to track ingredients | Supplier documentation confirms non-GMO status | Requires detailed traceability from farm to market |
| Excludes GMOs? | Yes, based on the Non-GMO Project Standard | Yes, based on internal sourcing policies | Yes, as part of the USDA Organic standards |
| Other Restrictions | Few restrictions beyond GMOs | Few restrictions beyond GMOs | Prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and irradiation |
| Examples | Old Fashioned Rolled Oats | Cornmeal (may fall under this pledge) | Organic Extra Thick Rolled Oats |
What This Means for the Consumer
For most buyers, the clear labeling from Bob's Red Mill provides sufficient information to make an informed choice. Shoppers can look for the familiar Non-GMO Project butterfly logo on over 240 products for verified assurance. For organic-focused customers, the USDA Organic seal is an even stronger guarantee against genetically modified ingredients, as defined by federal regulations. The company's internal pledge covers any remaining items with transparency.
It's important to be aware of the nuances regarding certain ingredients, like corn and soy, which may be labeled under the internal pledge rather than the Non-GMO Project verification. This distinction reflects the complexities of supply chain verification rather than a compromise on the non-GMO commitment itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bob's Red Mill does not intentionally use genetically modified ingredients in its products. They maintain a firm commitment to sourcing non-GMO raw materials, backed by two distinct verification processes. For most products, this involves third-party certification from the Non-GMO Project. For others, it's supported by the company's transparent "Sourced Non-GMO Pledge." By offering a large selection of certified organic products, which are non-GMO by definition, Bob's Red Mill provides consumers with multiple options to align with their dietary preferences and ethical standards. Customers can confidently choose from their extensive lineup, assured of the company's dedication to quality and ingredient integrity. For more information, visit the official Bob's Red Mill website detailing their quality processes.
The Bob's Red Mill Non-GMO Commitment
- Certified Products: Bob's Red Mill has over 240 products verified through the Non-GMO Project.
- Internal Pledge: A "Sourced Non-GMO Pledge" covers products not formally verified by the Non-GMO Project.
- Supplier Audits: The company requires annual documentation from suppliers confirming non-GMO ingredients.
- Organic Guarantee: All USDA Certified Organic products from Bob's Red Mill are automatically non-GMO.
- Traceability: An identity preservation system tracks non-GMO raw materials to prevent mixing.
- Unverified Ingredients: Some ingredients like corn, soy, and yeast are not Non-GMO Project Verified but are still sourced non-GMO.
- Consumer Transparency: The company is committed to visible and clear labeling of its sourcing efforts.
