Non-GMO Project Product Verification Program Process
Make first contact with FoodChain ID by filling out our meeting with a FoodChain ID enrollment expert. The Product Verification Program is primarily a document-based review of ingredients, products, and facilities. We’ll introduce you to the process, answer any questions you have, and create a cost estimate for you.
Once we’ve reviewed all the details about your products, ingredients, and facilities with you we’ll send you your final quote along with any additional, specialized guidance on what to expect during the product verification process (PVP), with a focus on a strategy that best meets your company’s needs and which may include customized recommendations. We’ll ask you to submit an email officially stating that you approve your quote.
Next, you’ll sign our Participating Company Agreement (a non-disclosure), and Licensing Agreement outlining the legal use of the Non-GMO Project’s name, logo, and verification mark on packaging, website, ads, brochures, etc. We’ll then invoice you for the annual participation fee including details on how to submit payment for the participation fee as well as product and other applicable fees. When we receive participation fee payment, your verification process begins.
Once we receive a signed agreement, you will meet a member of our onboarding team who will be your personal guide through the process until you have achieved verification. You’ll use SupplyTrak, FoodChain ID’s proprietary, purpose-built supply chain management system to enter your ingredient statements, production facility details, product labels, and other associated materials. Note that you can easily add new products for evaluation at any time.
After you’ve completed your data upload, a FoodChain ID evaluator will begin the process of assessing your products’ compliance against the requirements of the Non-GMO Project Standard. We may request additional details and/or provide guidance to resolve non-conformance issues. Your evaluator will also determine whether testing and/or site inspection will be necessary and provide the necessary guidance.
If your facility requires inspection, we will assist in arranging it (if your facility is certified organic, you may choose to elect for a dual inspection). If testing is required, we will generate a testing plan. You may opt for discounted testing from FoodChain ID Testing, a Project-approved lab. All testing and inspection data will be uploaded to your SupplyTrak record for evaluator review.
After your evaluation is complete, including any non-conformance resolutions, if necessary, FoodChain ID will notify both you and the Non-GMO Project of your products’ Verified status. You may then begin using the Non-GMO Project Verified label on your packaging in accordance with the Licensing Agreement (Step 3, above) and participate in the Non-GMO Project’s marketing and promotional activities.
The Non-GMO Project Standard is updated annually and often includes new requirements, and since many Verified products may undergo formula or supplier changes, the Product Verification Program requires an annual re-evaluation of enrolled products. One of the benefits of our SupplyTrak system is that it makes renewals easy as it retains all of your verification information and will use most, or even all of what you originally submitted to speed up your renewal. Renewal begins 12 months from the date of your first Verified product or 18 months from the date of your enrollment, whichever comes first.