SCS Global Services Becomes Newest Non-GMO Project Verification Provider

SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that it has successfully completed a rigorous, year-long Non-GMO Project Verification Pilot Program, and is now formally recognized as Non-GMO Project Technical Administrator.  This designation means that SCS is authorized to independently verify claims for all types of food products and supplements under the Non-GMO Project, one of the United States’ fastest growing food labels of all time.

During the pilot phase, SCS verified more than 200 products to the Non GMO Project Standard.  Verification steps include the review of product documentation, evaluation of DNA test results, and confirmation of product traceability.

“SCS Global Services has demonstrated outstanding technical expertise, as evidenced in their thorough evaluation practices and impressive business growth as a Technical Administrator over the past year,” said Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non-GMO Project. “We are pleased to see SCS continue to establish itself as a leading service provider for our program.”

“People have evolved naturally with our environment and the foods we eat,” said Dr. Stanley Rhodes, SCS founder and CEO. “GMO technology has introduce a wild card into the mix, with the potential for unintended health and environmental consequences.  Third-party verification under the Non-GMO Project standard makes it possible for consumers who wish to avoid these potential risks to steer clear of such products.”     

SCS has been a pioneer and leader in third-party certification of food quality and safety claims for more than three decades. Non-GMO Project verification adds to SCS’ suite of food and agriculture programs, along with USDA organic, GFSI food safety certifications, food safety training, Sustainably Grown, and a variety of additional responsible sourcing programs.

“We’re excited to be able to offer Non-GMO Project Verification along with our other services to help our customers save time and money while receiving the expert service they need,” said Brandon Nauman, Manager of SCS’ Organic and Non-GMO Projects services.  “Clients across the food industry, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, meat, and dairy, as well as supplements, can benefit from our competitive pricing.”

In addition to food items, non-food products, such as health-care products, personal care products and cosmetics, cleaning products, packaging (including tea bags), and textiles are all eligible for Non-GMO Project verification, Nauman added. SCS offers a range of additional certification services for such products, such as responsible sourcing, biodegradability, and recycled content, which could add value for customers along with their Non-GMO Project verification.

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SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and more. SCS is a California Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practice.

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization founded on the belief that consumers should have access to clearly-labeled non-GMO food and products. The Non-GMO Project Verified Seal provides independent assurance that products are made according to best practices for GMO avoidance. The standard:

• Requires ongoing testing of all at-risk ingredients—any ingredient being grown commercially in GMO form must be tested prior to use in a verified product.
• Uses an Action Threshold of 0.9%. This is in alignment with laws in the European Union (where any product containing more than 0.9% GMO must be labeled). Absence of all GMOs is the target for all Non-GMO Project Standard compliant products. Continuous improvement practices toward achieving this goal must be part of the Participant’s quality management systems.
• Includes rigorous traceability and segregation practices to be followed in order to ensure ingredient integrity through to the finished product.
• Requires a thorough review of ingredient specification sheets to determine absence of GMO risk for low-risk ingredients.
• Requires that verification be maintained through an annual audit, along with onsite inspections for high-risk products.