NEWS IN BRIEF

NSF International revises, rebrands its Non-GMO Certification program

01-Aug-2019 - Last updated on 01-Aug-2019 at 15:59 GMT

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Testing and certification organization NSF International announced yesterday that it has completed the revamping process of its Non-GMO certification.

First established in 2016 as NSF’s Non-GMO “True North” protocol, the company has renamed it to NSF’s non-GMO certification program “to help consumers and retailers quickly identify products that meet non-GMO requirements,” the company said in a press release.

Products in the food and beverage, dietary supplement, cosmetic, personal care, and household cleaning products are eligible for the certification.

In addition to the rebrand and logo change, the company has updated the certification based on input from regulators, industry groups, and non-GMO experts. These changes are:

Aligning with the language and terms used in the USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), a new rule effective January 1, 2020 which requires food manufacturers, importers and retailers to ensure bioengineered foods are appropriately labeled. This rule prohibits undisclosed genetically modified DNA from being present in the finished product.
Streamlining of the certification process for brands and manufacturers by recognizing USDA organic certification as evidence of meeting NSF’s non-GMO certification requirements. This includes the USDA’s “Made with Organic” category and equivalent organic certifications from other regions such as the EU, Canada, Japan and Korea.
Clarifying that ingredients derived from GM microorganisms are not acceptable.
Simplifying the certification requirements for clarity, understanding and ease of use.

“The goal of NSF’s non-GMO protocol is to provide clear production, testing and evaluation criteria for the accurate labeling of non-GMO ingredients and products,” said Sarah Krol, global managing director of food safety product certification at NSF International.

“The new and improved protocol aligns with the USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard and recognizes National Organic Program requirements so that consumers who look for the NSF non-GMO mark can know with certainty what’s in (or not in) their food, dietary supplements and personal care products.”