Genetically Modified Organism

Study supports safety & efficacy of NuSeed’s canola-derived omega-3 oil

22-Mar-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The safety and efficacy of NuSeed’s transgenic long-chain omega-3-rich canola oil are supported by data from a newly published randomized, placebo-controlled, seamless phase I/II study.

AlgaeHealth adds non GMO status to list of astaxanthin certifications

02-Nov-2017 By Hank Schultz

Algae Health Sciences, Inc. has announced it has joined the ranks of astaxanthin suppliers that have achieved Non GMO Project Verified status on its ingredients.

Taiyo gets Non-GMO certification on Suntheanine ingredient in effort to boost transparency

02-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

The pressure to obtain Non-GMO Project Verified status continues to induce dietary supplement suppliers to seek the certification, with one of the latest being Taiyo on its Suntheanine ingredient.

Valensa gets 'raw' certification on organic spirulina

31-Jan-2017 By Hank Schultz

Algae ingredient supplier Parry Nutraceuticals has initiated what it believes will be a more meaningful level of certification for its spirulina products with new ‘Certified Clean’ and ‘Certified Raw’ marks.

Demographics don't provide easy answers to GMO debate, says Pew Research Center

Pew Research Center: The GMO debate is hugely polarizing, but the divide ‘does not fall along familiar political fault lines’

02-Dec-2016 By Elaine Watson

Think anti-GMO sentiment is primarily the preserve of white college educated liberals? Think again, says Pew Research Center, which has just conducted a consumer survey suggesting that attitudes on GMOs, organics, and other food issues are “conspicuously...

Non-GMO seal for Taiyo’s matcha boosts transparency for multifunctional ingredient

18-Nov-2016 By Hank Schultz

Taiyo’s Non-GMO certification for its Matcha Powder is a sign of the growing influence of this attribute, even for ingredient categories that have never been subject to genetic modification. 

Regular Girl achieves non GMO certification on prebiotic/probiotic supplement

22-Aug-2016 By Hank Schultz

Regular Girl, a supplement that mixes Taiyo’s Sunfiber prebiotic ingredient with probiotics, has met the requirements for a Non GMO Project Verified seal, the ingredient manufacturer announced recently. 

New NGS DNA testing methods will replace PCR, predicts Clear Labs

Are ‘GMO-free’ (as opposed to ‘non-GMO’) claims legally defensible?

03-Aug-2016 By Elaine Watson

As the Non-GMO Project states on its website, ‘GMO-free’ claims are “not legally or scientifically defensible due to limitations of testing methodology" coupled with cross-contamination risks. In future, however, that could change as testing methods...

Vermont GMO-labeling law went into effect, what comes next?

06-Jul-2016 By Adi Menayang

When Vermont’s GMO-labeling law became effective last Friday on July 1, some companies were prepared, while others weren’t.

Federal GMO labeling bill hailed as 'true compromise,' but critics say it's woefully inadequate

23-Jun-2016 By Elaine Watson

Attempts to reach a federal GMO labeling solution have failed miserably to date. However, a bipartisan deal requiring mandatory GMO labeling (via smartlabels, symbols or as yet undetermined wording) thrashed out in the Senate on Thursday looks like it...

Taiyo's support helps marketer navigate non GMO certification waters

14-Jun-2016 By Hank Schultz

Supplement marketer Tomorrow’s Nutrition has announced Non-GMO Project Verified status for its Sunfiber prebiotic supplement, a certification the company says was made possible only though vigorous support from the supplier, Taiyo.

Too close to call: How do consumers really feel about GMOs?

08-Jun-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

The controversy surrounding genetic engineering may feel deafening at times with each side prolifically and loudly debating its pros and cons, but the vast majority of consumers remain unfamiliar GMOs and unclear if they pose a risk, according to a recent...

Could consumers see GM as an eco-friendly food choice?

03-Feb-2016 By Niamh Michail

Swedish researchers have suggested that food labelled both GM and eco-friendly may become commonplace in the future - but is this an idea consumers will buy into?

Vermont AG office announces authorized companies to verify GMO-free claims

21-Jan-2016 By Adi Menayang

There will be two companies authorized to verify GMO-free claims in Vermont. Some experts worry about application backlog to meet the July 1 deadline, while others say it’s a step in the right direction.

Can “green” claims turn the GMO debate around in 2016, analysts ask

18-Jan-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

Growing consumer concern about food waste and the environmental impact of food production could be a “conversation starter” for food manufacturers to shift consumers’ focus on genetically modified organisms away from the perceived negative impact to the...

SupplySide West

Extent of confusion about “natural” continues as trade group works to define the term

22-Oct-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The term “natural” is an extremely effective marketing claim that taps into one of the hottest current trends in food and beverage, but because it is not defined, it leaves consumers confused and companies vulnerable to false claims allegations. 

NSF's new GMO certification leverages companies' existing systems, exec says

22-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

Demand for GMO certification services has been growing faster than supply, and NSF has responded to that demand with its new True North certification program, said the scheme’s director.

Pompeo bill would ‘create a competing Non-GMO label with drastically lower standards’, says Non-GMO Project

09-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

While supporters of Rep. Mike Pompeo’s Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (HR1599) welcome its proposal to create a national standard for non-GMO claims, the Non-GMO Project says this would confuse shoppers by creating a competing label underpinned by...

Florida judge approves $3.99m deal in Kashi GMO false advertising lawsuit

08-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

 A federal judge in Florida has approved a $3.99m deal to resolve a proposed class action accusing Kashi of misleading shoppers by labeling products made with GMOs as ‘all-natural’.

NBTY's acquisition of Dr Organic mirrors trend in supplement industry toward personal care

26-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Dietary supplement manufacturing giant NBTY has acquired UK skincare line Dr Organic, a move that mirrors a trend in the supplement industry toward higher margin personal care offerings.

Eight things to know about the Pompeo voluntary GMO labelling Act

20-Jul-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

There are two bills about GMO labeling floating around Congress, but the momentum appears behind the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015. Here are eight things to know about the Act.

Rice-based excipients can boost organic, non-GMO claims for supplements

07-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Non GMO product positioning continues to gain importance in the marketplace, but the search for compliant excipients still complicates the claim for supplements.  A suite of ingredients that will be on display next week in Chicago can help.

Canadian firm to debut blended solution for vegetarian protein, fiber fortification

30-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

Canadian supplier Dealers Ingredients plans to debut its Profi one-stop solution for vegetarian protein and fiber fortification at the upcoming Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) trade show in Chicago.

USDA Process Verification Program provides non-GMO certification alternative

15-May-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Process Verification Program could provide an avenue for firms to certify the veracity of non-GMO claims without indirectly suggesting that genetic engineering is undesirable or unsafe. 

Organic and non-gmo trends

Congress should strengthen FDA’s oversight of GMOs, CSPI leader says

23-Apr-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Congress needs to strengthen FDA’s oversight of genetically modified organisms before foreign countries, with potentially lower safety standards, begin genetically engineering crops used in finished products that are imported to the U.S., argues an executive...

Aker verifies krill oil ingredient as non-GMO

02-Apr-2015 By Hank Schultz

Aker BioMarine Antarctic US, the world’s foremost harvester of krill and a leading supplier of krill oil, has announced that its Superba krill oil ingredient has achieved Non-GMO Project Verified status.

Naturex responds to market demand with non GMO certification of extracts

26-Mar-2015 By Hank Schultz

French-based botanical ingredients supplier Naturex is adjusting to meet future market conditions in the US by certifying seven of its most popular ingredients non GMO.

Non GMO Working Group to formalize structure, collect dues to boost capabilities and influence

10-Mar-2015 By Hank Schultz

In the face of repeated requests for information and services, a working group of dietary supplement companies that includes FoodState Inc. is the process of formalizing its membership structure to transform into a dues-paying organization.

Special edition: Going Non-GMO in Supplements

IGEN pilot program to demonstrate GMO transparency in dietary supplement supply chains

24-Feb-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc. is set to launch a cost-effective, evidence-based certification program to test finished products, and the ingredients used to make them. Results allow manufacturers to determine if they contain GMOs or whether GMO’s were...

Failing to label GMOs threatens food manufacturers’ relevance, consumer trust

05-Feb-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

As more consumers avoid genetically modified organisms, manufacturers that fail to label whether their products contain GMOs are at an increased risk of losing consumer trust and relevance, according to The Hartman Group. 

Colorado says NO to GMO labeling; Oregon heads to nail-biting finish

05-Nov-2014 By Elaine Watson

UPDATED - Initial returns indicate that voters in Colorado have given a firm thumbs down to GMO labeling initiative Proposition 105, while the vote in Oregon on Measure 92 headed to a nail-biting finish - but ended with voters saying NO.

The cost of GMO labeling? Less than a penny a day, says Consumers Union analysis

03-Oct-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

The cost to consumers of requiring labeling of genetically modified food is $2.30 per person annually, or less than a penny a day, says new analysis commissioned by Consumers Union, the policy arm of Consumer Reports.

Consumers seek out ‘natural’, ‘locally grown’ on product labels: survey

25-Jun-2014 By Maggie Hennessy

When shopping for food, two-thirds of US consumers look for “locally grown” on labels, while 59% check to see if the products they’re buying are natural, according to a survey from Consumer Reports National Research Center. 

Leading academic calls results “out of line and improbable”...

Updated: NY’s GMO labeling would raise the cost of food for a family of four by $800 per year, says economist

22-May-2014 By Stephen Daniells

The cost of New York State adopting labeling of GMO ingredient in food products could increase the cost of food for a family of four by $800 per year, says a new economic study from Cornell University. The results have been described as “out of line and...

Guest article: Steven Hoffman, managing director, Compass Natural

GUEST ARTICLE: GMOs are not the answer, just because organic isn’t perfect

15-May-2014 By Steven Hoffman

Pointing out problems and flaws in organic farming and certification is constructive in that they need to be addressed. But using the imperfections of the organic production system to defend why GMOs are a preferred way to produce food - as Mischa Popoff...

Abbott rejects shareholder call for GMO labeling on its products

01-May-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

An Abbott Laboratories shareholder proposal to label genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in its Similac infant formula range received about 5% of the vote, and has been rejected by the company.

NBTY launches line of non GMO supplements

23-Apr-2014 By Hank Schultz

NBTY is introducing a line of non-GMO supplements, the Long Island-based manufacturing giant announced yesterday. The line, called Nature’s Origin, also features a gluten- and irradiation-free positioning.

Vermont GMO labeling bill heads to governor's desk. But can it withstand a First Amendment challenge?

23-Apr-2014 By Elaine WATSON

A bill requiring foods produced with genetic engineering be labeled in Vermont has passed the house and the senate, and now just needs Governor Peter Shumlin’s signature to be signed into law. However, legal experts say a First Amendment challenge could...

Expo West highlights: ‘Unless you've literally pulled it out of the ground yourself and stuck it in a box, don't call it all-natural’

17-Mar-2014 By Elaine WATSON

If it’s in the natural channel today, it could be in food, drug and mass merchandise stores tomorrow, so food and beverage trend-spotters were out in force at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim on March 6-9. 

Ex-FDA official praises GMA call for federal GMO labeling rules, but says asking it to define ‘natural’ is a long shot

14-Jan-2014 By Elaine WATSON

It might have enraged those in favor of mandatory GMO labeling, but a leaked document outlining the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s (GMA’s) ideas for a federally regulated 'voluntary' approach to this issue has been praised by one ex-FDA...

FDA 'respectfully declines' judges' plea for it to determine if GMOs belong in all-natural products

08-Jan-2014 By Elaine WATSON

The FDA has written to three federal judges handling civil cases vs food manufacturers over natural claims to “respectfully decline” their request to come to an administrative determination of whether GMOs belong in ‘all-natural’ foods.

Guest article

Defining ‘natural’ is a priority for NPA in 2014

18-Dec-2013 By John Shaw, Executive Director and CEO, Natural Products Association

At the Natural Products Association, we are constantly working toward our mission of ensuring consumers have access to healthy products that will improve their well-being and longevity, and that the dedicated and passionate individuals who make and sell...

Timing right for federal standard on GMO: AHPA

08-Nov-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

With more than 85% of the votes in on Washington State's GMO labeling initiative 522 as of Thursday night, it appears that the Yes side has an insurmountable deficit to overcome, getting 47% of votes to the No side’s 53%. (Due to the state’s unique...

I-522 effort a victory regardless of outcome, says Stonyfield Farms chairman

08-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

I-522 is a victory for the proponents of GMO labeling, no matter how the final polls might turn out, attendees on a United Natural Products Alliance webinar were told yesterday.

Global non-GMO market could reach $800bn by 2017; demand not unanimous

07-Nov-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

The global market for non-GMO food and beverage products shows great promise in the coming years, but its success is far from guaranteed, as global consumer support for mandatory GMO labeling is mixed, and there is little indication of a surge toward...

I-522 vote: Initial returns suggest voters in Washington State say NO to GMO labeling; but too close to call yet

06-Nov-2013 By Elaine WATSON, Hank Schultz, Maggie Hennessy

Initial returns indicate that voters in Washington State have given the thumbs down to GMO labeling proposal I-522, in similar proportions to the vote on California's GMO labeling proposal Prop 37. 

Packaged Facts: Non-GMO foods will account for 30% of US food and beverage retail sales by 2017

17-Sep-2013 By Elaine WATSON

US retail sales of non-GMO foods and beverages are projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% in the next five years, and could represent 30% of the market with a value of $264bn in 2017, predicts Packaged Facts.

David-and-Goliath battle over GMO labeling heats up in Washington State

06-Sep-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

The Evergreen state is poised for a big-spending battle over whether foods containing ingredients from GE crops must carry a special label.

BI Chief: I don’t think we’ll see government mandated GMO labeling; It’s a marketing issue.

31-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

From California to Washington, and from Connecticut to Vermont, initiatives to label the presence of ingredients derived from genetically modified foods are dominating headlines. Despite this, the CEO of BI Nutraceuticals doesn’t think we’ll see government...

Market-driven approach better than laws for GMO labeling, UNPA says

22-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

A market-driven approach that allows consumers to opt for foods made without genetically modified ingredients is preferable to mandatory labeling via either state or federal statutes, according to the United Natural Products Alliance.