Eat GMO-free thanks to the Non-GMO project and its data on Open Food Facts
Eat GMO-free thanks to the Non-GMO project and its data on Open Food Facts
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose DNA has been denatured to give it properties it did not originally possess.
Consumers need to know this information, which is why The Butterfly label, from the NON-GMO project, was created. By this initiative, the nonprofit organization agreed to tell us more about their mission, and their link with Open Food Facts.
Could you tell us more about the Non-GMO Project, its mission, and the impact it has had since its inception?
The Non-GMO Project began in 2007. It was inspired by the efforts of natural foods grocery stores in Canada and the US to help their customers learn about GMOs in the food supply. As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, the Non-GMO Project offers rigorous product verification and trustworthy education that empowers people to care for themselves, the planet, and future generations.
Today, Non-GMO Project is one of the fastest-growing labels in the retail sector. More than 64,000 products are Verified, representing an estimated $45 billion in annual sales (USD). From headquarters in Bellingham, Washington, the Project verified products sold in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The popularity of the Non-GMO Project Butterfly label has helped raise awareness of the GMO issue for shoppers. Through our efforts and those of colleagues in the natural products industry, half of North American consumers seek out non-GMO food and personal care products.
How does the Non-GMO Project certification process work, and what criteria must products meet to receive the Non-GMO label?
The Non-GMO Project Product Verification Program is North America’s most rigorous program for avoiding GMOs. The requirements of the Non-GMO Project Standard meet or exceed organic certification standards regarding GMOs by requiring testing for major, high-risk ingredients. The Program is a third-party certification, meaning that products are evaluated by third-party technical administrators to ensure the rigor of the process and avoid conflicts of interest.
Technical administrators evaluate products by assessing each ingredient by its risk status (i.e., the likelihood of its coming from a GMO source) and presence in the final product (i.e., the weight percentage). Through a combination of ingredient testing, tracing, segregation and legally-binding declarations, the technical administrators ensure that every Verified product is in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard.
What are some of the main dangers or concerns associated with GMO products that consumers should be aware of?
GMOs entered the food supply in North America without independent, rigorous, long-term safety testing.
Today, genetically modified ingredients include novel compounds that have never been part of the human diet.
There are many kinds of GMOs, engineered for different traits and made from a variety of techniques. Some of the most common GMOs, such as those engineered for herbicide tolerance or insect resistance, have been linked to reproductive, developmental, neurological, metabolic, microbiome and GI tract-related illnesses. Moreover, the most common herbicide used with GMO crops, glyphosate, has been labeled a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
How did you first discover Open Food Facts, and what drew you to collaborate with us?
The Non-GMO Project team has followed Open Food Facts’ work for years. Our collaboration began when our Program Insights, Engagement and Development Team saw the potential to create a larger data ecosystem that could serve our shared goals of increasing transparency in the supply chain. Every month, our team sends to Open Food Facts the list of all certified Non-Gmo products to keep the database up to date so that consumers can benefit from this information. You can consult all Non-Gmo products on Open Food Facts via this link: https://world.openfoodfacts.org/label/non-gmo-project.
Why is transparency about GMO ingredients important for consumers, and how does the Non-GMO Project contribute to this transparency?
We believe everyone has the right to choose whether or not to consume GMOs. However, the reality is that GMOs entered the North American food supply unlabelled and without rigorous safety testing, especially in the US. The Non-GMO Project offers trustworthy education so brands, retailers and shoppers can educate themselves about the GMO issue and make an informed choice.
The Product Verification Program helps increase transparency by requiring ingredient testing, tracing and segregation to preserve and build the non-GMO and organic food supply. The Butterfly also provides shoppers with a way to “vote with their dollars,” using the daily practice of selecting and eating food to reshape the food system.
What would you say to other certification labels or organizations considering partnering with Open Food Facts?
We would absolutely encourage partnering with Open Food Facts. The more data we share with one another, the more light we shine on global supply chains and resource management, creating a new level of transparency that helps every shopper and eater make better choices for themselves and the planet.
Many thanks to Melissa Waddell for her testimonial!
Would you like to tell us about your mission with Open Food Facts? Contact us at contact@openfoodfacts.org
