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Introduction to Non-GMO Certification:

Genetically modified (GM) foods have raised concern amongst consumers regarding the impact on the environment as well as human and animal health. As a result, many countries require mandatory labelling of foods containing GM ingredients (inputs) where the percentage exceeds a certain threshold. Non–GMO products are in demand and the Non–GMO Project Verified seal is the most trusted Non–GMO label among consumers. The Non–GMO Project Verified seal gives shoppers the assurance that a product has completed a comprehensive third-party verification for compliance with the Non–GMO Project Standard.

Selling food and/or feed that is non-genetically modified (non-GMO) places the burden of proof on the supply chain. Non-GMO Supply Chain Standard helps organisations, irrespective of type or size, to supply verifiably Non-GMO product. The scope of certification can extend from a single actor in the supply chain, a few or even the whole production process.

Certification Standard Covers:

Certification standard covers from the seed, through the growing process and harvest, transportation, collection, storing and processing to the market channel. Certification also includes the verification of legal requirements relating to the labelling and traceability of GMOs.

Based on EU regulations concerning Non-GMO, including Directive 2001/18/EC and regulations 1829/2003 and 1830/2003, standard can be applied to all processes in the supply chain:

• Seed supply
• Farming
• Trading
• Processing

As well as services to the supply chain:

• Storage
• Transport
• Sampling and analysis

Non-GMO supply chain certification does not replace compliance with national and international regulations.

Certification Requirements:

Products certified under this Standard are verified to have been formulated to minimize risk of inclusion of genetically engineered organisms during the production or manufacturing process
across the entire chain, and that any inadvertent or unavoidable presence is strictly controlled with very low tolerance levels.

This is achieved through a combination of risk assessment and corresponding quality management systems that include analytical testing at key points across the production chain and strict control of processes to assure identity preservation of all allowed production inputs.

• Product Labelling and Labelling Category
• Inputs and Sourcing
• Sampling and Testing
• Control of Production and Processes
• Traceability
• Quality Management, Training, Internal Audit and Records

Benefits of Non-GMO certification:

• Increased opportunities for market share and market differentiation
• Ability to meet consumer and retailer demand for non-GMO labeling
• Access to global non-GMO markets
• Comprehensive risk management
• Compliance with emerging retail, industry and government requirements
• Increased consumer confidence and loyalty
• Independent, third-party credibility for non-GMO claims
• Compliance with varied domestic and international GMO labeling regulations

Certification Process:

• Carry out self assessment against the standards 
• Determining role, responsibility and authorities, Identify and assemble core group, Appointment of Team Leader
• Management System Documentation: Level 1 to Level 4, Organizational Chart, Process Flow diagrams related to Non-GMO, Floor Plan, Risk Assessment plan which identifies GMO risks, inputs and final product list, sampling and testing plan
• Awareness Training to identified staff
• Internal Auditors Training for Conduct of Internal Audit
• Management Review Meeting
• Mandatory to Obtain Product Testing for Non-GMO from Approved Lab
• Application to Certification Body
• Pre-audit by Certification body for Readiness
• Final Certification Audit
• Non-conformance closure with evidence submit to Certification body
• Issue of Non-GMO Certificate by Certification body

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