Whole Foods Market Commits to Non-GMO Labeling by 2018

Whole Foods Market affirmed its commitment to Non-GMO labeling transparency for the majority of the product categories on its shelves at the recent Natural Products Expo East show in Baltimore, MD. By September 1, 2018, all products that contain unverified high risk ingredients must be verified and labeled by one of three approved Non-GMO verification programs: Non-GMO Project, NSF True North, or USDA Organic. Unverified products that do contain high risk ingredients above 0.9% must include a back of package statement of “may contain GMO ingredients” or similar declaration.

High risk ingredients and their derivatives include corn, soy, cotton, canola, sugar beets, zucchini, yellow summer squash, Hawaiian papaya, and alfalfa. Products that are exempt from required labeling include animal products and ingredients that are fed GMO feed, microorganisms, and ingredients present in the aggregate at less than 0.9%. Body care, household, supplement, and lifestyle departments are also exempt from labeling as the requirement targets food. Many companies have determined that consumers are seeking Non-GMO verified products in exempt categories (ex. animal derived products: meat, poultry, dairy). While they are not required by Whole Foods to be Non-GMO verified, customer demand is driving Non-GMO labeling.

Questions about Non-GMO verification, approved testing platforms, high risk ingredients, and creating statistically supported sampling and testing programs? We have answers! Please contact our tech support staff. We’re here to help!