For those committed to a careful nutrition diet, understanding the quality control processes behind their food is essential. The question of third-party testing arises frequently, particularly for a brand as prominent in the health food space as Bob's Red Mill. While third-party certification offers an extra layer of consumer assurance, a company's internal testing can also be highly rigorous and reliable. Bob's Red Mill's approach involves a combination of both.
Understanding Third-Party Testing and Certifications
Third-party testing involves an independent, accredited organization reviewing a company's processes and products to ensure they meet a specific standard. Key third-party certifications include:
- GFCO Certified Gluten-Free: Verifies that a product consistently contains less than 10 ppm of gluten.
- USDA Organic: Ensures products meet USDA organic standards.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: Confirms ingredients are not genetically engineered.
- Safe Quality Food (SQF): A third-party audited food safety and quality management system.
Bob's Red Mill's Comprehensive Approach
Bob's Red Mill uses both internal expertise and external validation. The specifics vary depending on whether a product is conventional or labeled gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Testing: Internal vs. Certified
Products with the red 'GF' logo undergo internal testing in a dedicated gluten-free facility. This includes testing incoming ingredients and products during and after processing, aiming for less than 20 ppm of gluten. Since 2019, some products also have the GFCO certification, indicated by the GFCO logo. Consumers should check for this specific logo if GFCO certification is required.
Other Validations and Certifications
Bob's Red Mill also has other third-party certifications:
- Organic: Certified organic by Quality Assurance International since 2002.
- Non-GMO: Over 200 products are verified by the Non-GMO Project.
- SQF Standard: The company is audited to meet the Safe Quality Food standard for food safety.
Making an Informed Decision for Your Diet
For those with celiac disease, the GFCO logo provides the highest assurance. For others, the company's internal controls and other certifications demonstrate quality. It's important to differentiate between Bob's Red Mill's internal testing and external certifications.
Comparison of Bob's Red Mill Testing Protocols
| Feature | Bob's Red Mill Products (Internal GF Testing) | Bob's Red Mill Products (GFCO Certified) | Conventional Products (Not Labeled GF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verification Type | In-house ELISA testing and proprietary protocols | Third-party GFCO certification and audit | No gluten testing performed |
| Facility | Dedicated gluten-free facility | Dedicated gluten-free facility | Shared with gluten-containing products |
| Gluten PPM Standard | Less than 20 ppm | Less than 10 ppm (typically) | Not applicable |
| Label Indication | Red 'GF' logo on package | GFCO logo AND red 'GF' logo | No GF logo or labeling |
Conclusion
In summary, while not all products are third-party tested, Bob's Red Mill uses a combination of rigorous internal controls and specific third-party certifications. They offer GFCO-certified gluten-free products and maintain certifications for organic and Non-GMO status. Consumers should always check packaging for the specific certifications they need. Bob's Red Mill provides various options with different levels of verification for diverse dietary requirements.
For more details on the company's gluten-free processes, visit Bob's Red Mill's official website.
