Behind Understanding
the Non-GMO labeling
Label
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31% of consumers in the US now look for Non-GMO
ingredients at the grocery store. This trumps ‘All natural’
and ‘Organic’ claims in terms of importance. Though
64 countries around the world mandate that foods
containing GMOs be labeled, the US is currently
debating the issue. In the meantime, here are a few
facts about GMO labeling and what it means to you
and your family.
Non-GMO
When you see the words Non-GMO on an American
food label without a third party verification it typically
means that the manufacturer is self-verified, and that
they are following their own standards and criteria for
what Non-GMO means. This is not the case for products imported from Europe.
European Non-GMO
All foods manufactured in the EU must be labeled GMO if they contain more than 0.9% GMO
ingredients, based on each individual ingredient. In other words, products with fewer than 0.9%
GMO ingredients may be labeled ‘Non-GMO’. In the US one of the largest third party
verification certifiers, The Non–GMO Project, uses the same criteria. Products that contain less
than 0.9% GMO ingredients may be verified by Non-GMO Project and carry their famous
monarch butterfly certification stamp. KABRITA yogurts, produced with American goat milk
carry this important seal.
What are the differences between European Non-GMO and Non-GMO Project Verified?
There are a few key differences to be aware of. In Europe all GMO ingredients must be legally
declared on the label. This is the law and has been in effect for over a decade. As a result, all
crops and ingredients grown or produced in Europe are predominantly Non-GMO. This applies
to animal feed, which is typically comprised of Non-GMO grasses like alfalfa along with
Non-GMO soy and corn. KABRITA milk is produced in The Netherlands where GMO crops
are not permitted.
Additional food supplements for animals, such as vegetable-based pellets used during the
winter months, do not require GMO labeling. This may mean that the pellets contain GMO
ingredients, particularly if they are sourced from the US. KABRITA goats are fed a diet
that is ~90% European Non-GMO grass or other Non-GMO feed such as soy or corn.
nourish blog
USA
Behind
Understanding
the
Label Non-GMO labeling
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The remaining 10% of the feed may come from pellets if supplementation is required. This does
not impact the quality or Non-GMO status of the milk.
Why does Non-GMO Project Verified require animals to be fed Non-GMO feed if
the EU does not?
Unlike Europe the majority of animal feed in the US is comprised of GMO alfalfa, corn and soy,
in addition to pellet supplements animals may receive. Unless the feed has been certified as
Non-GMO or organic you can be certain that close to 100% of the animal’s diet comes from US
GMO feed. Non-GMO project set the 1.5% tolerance limits for animal feed to ensure that the
vast majority of the animal’s diet was also Non-GMO.
The 90/10 rule
We would love Europe to extend the same standard of food GMO labeling to animal feed. This
would help us move suppliers towards purchasing Non-GMO verified feed supplement for the
approximately 10% of the animal’s diet that may contain GMO ingredients.
Though the end product – in our case the goat milk – meets the standard of less than 0.9%
GMO ingredients, full Non-GMO feed throughout the chain would be great news for
consumers who want GMOs out of the food supply completely for broader ethical, political
and health reasons.
Though we are not quite there yet, we do believe that a 100% GMO-Free future is possible.
Purchasing Non-GMO foods from the 64 countries including those in Europe that require GMO
labeling, or Non-GMO Project Verified foods from the US will go a long way towards helping us
achieve that goal.
nourish blog
USA