Non-GMO Verification in Dietary Supplements

In tackling the requirements of complex ingredients and supply matrices, the supplement industry has been encouraged by single-attribute label trends. Single-attribute label claims communicate transparency, are explanatory, and build consumer confidence by being third-party based. NMI reports that shoppers are increasingly seeking specialized consumables to meet their lifestyle and dietary needs. In doing so, they look to front-of-package single attribute claims to avoid the burden of having to read the fine print on the back. Some believe that these claims surpass brand loyalty.

Though NGP verification is achievable, it’s not always easy; some products have taken more than a year to demonstrate compliance. The Non-GMO Dietary Supplement Working Group was launched in an effort to even the playing field and assist any supplement company in becoming eligible for non-GMO verification. Cofounded by MegaFood’s CEO Robert Craven and FoodChain ID, the Working Group consists of industry professionals who share knowledge of ingredient suppliers, reformulation strategies, and general guidance in preparing for verification. The following are some examples on how to prepare for non-GMO verification.

Consult with a qualified technical administrator or verifying body prior to joining the non-GMO scheme to identify risk, foresee obstacles, and get practical solutions. This reduces costs and fosters awareness of what to expect once enrolled.

Collect supporting documentation prior to enrolling. Use a standardized data collection tool for all ingredients, such as forms used by a technical administrator. Relevant data includes disclosures of additives, carriers, enzymes, microorganisms, fermentation media, raw material sources, and non-GMO manufacturing systems.

Stage the enrollment of products by beginning with bestsellers or product formulas that capture a range of the high-GMO risk ingredients in your product line. A staged enrollment helps familiarize staff with what’s required from ingredient suppliers; eases severity of the learning curve and lessens workload of your quality department; and determines the level of transparency and open communication channels from ingredient manufacturers.

Appoint staff with adequate resources and education to accommodate the additional workload. Non-GMO designation for a product is not a one-time effort. Standards evolve, GMO approval and commercialization statuses change, and GMO testing requirements and tolerance thresholds change due to new GMO events.

Team with an accredited non-GMO scheme approved testing laboratory if testing is deemed a requirement for verifying high-GMO risk inputs. Testing and sampling requirements vary according to differing ingredient matrices. Identifying the most efficient point in the supply chain for capturing qualified representative samples is crucial to keeping costs down.

Develop new products with a consideration toward demonstrating compliance with your chosen non-GMO scheme(s), and then consult with a technical administrator prior to enrollment to pre-evaluate the new formulation for eligibility. Manufacturers who do this can have their new products successfully verified in less time while avoiding costly missteps.

Heroux has served as technical consultant for prospective participants in the Non-GMO Project Product Verification Program, and is currently a manager for FoodChain ID, which is part of the Global ID Group family of companies. Reach her at [email protected].

References Furnished Upon Request