The Non-GMO Project was founded in 2007 by two natural foods retailers who sought to create a consistent, third-party labeling program for non-GMO products in North America. The organization has since grown significantly, with its distinctive Butterfly label becoming one of the most recognized consumer certifications. Its core mission is to protect the non-GMO food supply, educate consumers, and provide clear, verified choices in the marketplace. This mission is achieved through a multi-faceted approach centered on a rigorous product verification program.
The Product Verification Process
The verification process is a detailed, multi-step system that ensures products meet the Non-GMO Project Standard, which is designed to provide the most accurate measure of a product's non-GMO status. The process works with all levels of the supply chain, from farmers to manufacturers, to minimize the risk of GMO contamination. The program is administered by independent, third-party technical administrators (TAs) who are approved by the Project.
Steps in the verification process:
- Application: A company submits an application for their products to one of the Project's approved TAs.
- Ingredient Review and Risk Assessment: The TA reviews the product's ingredients, assessing the GMO risk level of each component. High-risk ingredients, such as corn and soy, require extra scrutiny.
- Auditing and Documentation: The TA conducts an audit, which may involve a desk review of documents or an on-site inspection for facilities with higher contamination risk. Required documentation includes invoices, standard operating procedures, and certificates of analysis.
- Ingredient Testing: For high-risk ingredients, testing is performed by an approved ISO-17025 accredited lab. The testing typically occurs on the source material, rather than the finished product, to ensure the ingredient's integrity from the beginning of the supply chain.
- Traceability and Segregation: The manufacturer must demonstrate that robust systems are in place to prevent commingling or contamination of non-GMO ingredients throughout processing and handling.
- Annual Renewal: To maintain the “Non-GMO Project Verified” status, a product must undergo an annual evaluation to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.
Standards for GMO Avoidance
The Non-GMO Project Standard is based on consensus and continuously updated to keep pace with new genetic engineering technologies. It sets specific criteria for GMO avoidance, ensuring that the verified label is meaningful and defensible.
Key principles of the standard:
- Testing at Critical Points: The Standard requires testing of all major, high-risk ingredients. For human food, the action threshold for detectable GMO material is 0.9%, aligning with EU standards.
- Traceability: A product must be traceable from the final product back to the non-GMO source ingredients.
- Segregation: Facilities must have procedures to keep verified materials separate from non-compliant materials to prevent cross-contamination.
- Animal Feed Compliance: For animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy, the verification includes standards for the animal feed. For example, animal feed containing high-risk crops must be tested to prove it meets non-GMO standards.
Non-GMO Project Verified vs. USDA Organic
While both certifications offer consumers a way to avoid GMOs, they cover different scopes of agricultural and food production practices. For many consumers, pairing the two labels is considered the "gold standard" for transparency and sustainable practices.
| Feature | Non-GMO Project Verified | USDA Certified Organic |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Single-issue, focusing specifically on GMO avoidance. | Holistic, covering a wide range of production methods, including pesticides, fertilizers, and animal welfare. |
| GMO Avoidance | Third-party verification with required testing of high-risk ingredients. | Prohibits the use of GMOs, but does not mandate testing for accidental contamination. |
| Regulatory Body | Non-profit organization, administered by independent TAs. | Federal government program, regulated by the USDA. |
| Contamination | Sets an "action threshold" (0.9% for human food) to monitor and address contamination. | No action threshold for GMO contamination. |
| Eligible Products | A wide range of products, including food, personal care, textiles, and animal feed. | Primarily food and agricultural products. |
Educating Consumers and Supporting the Supply Chain
Beyond the verification process, the Non-GMO Project uses its revenue to educate consumers about GMOs and their impact. It provides resources, materials, and outreach programs to help shoppers make informed choices. This focus on public education is a key part of its mission to build and preserve a non-GMO food supply for future generations. By empowering consumer demand through clear labeling, the Project helps drive the growth of non-GMO agriculture.
Conclusion
The Non-GMO Project plays a vital role in the food industry by providing a transparent and rigorous third-party verification system for avoiding genetically modified ingredients. Its work benefits both consumers, who gain confidence in their food choices, and manufacturers, who can build trust and access a growing market segment. Through its stringent standards, testing protocols, and commitment to education, the Project ensures that the food supply remains diversified and that non-GMO options are widely available. Ultimately, it gives consumers the power to make an informed choice every time they shop.
For more information on the Non-GMO Project, its standards, and its verification process, please visit the official website: www.nongmoproject.org.
