If you're looking for a bulk oil that is certified organic, chances are that you'd also like your oil to not contain any GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). Good news for you-- all oils that are certified organic also are going to be non-GMO automatically.
You should probably know a bit more of the details though, because it will affect your company as you're choosing ingredients, getting non-GMO or organic certified or preparing your ingredient documentation.
Organic Certification Laws Require A Non-GMO Status
If your bulk oil is certified organic, you will also be able to count on it to be non-GMO. This is because by the organic definition set forth by the National Organic Program, any food labeled as organic may not be grown using genetic modification. Their definitions is as follows:
"Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. These methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used." Source
Non-GMO Does Not Necessarily Mean Non-GMO Project Verified™
Terms like Organic and Non-GMO are increasingly becoming vocabulary that is not just followed in practice, but also documented and audited. For example, a product may be grown organically, but it is only "certified organic" once a USDA accredited agency performs an organic audit confirming this statement to be true.
In the same sense, there is now a 3rd party documentation process known as Non-GMO Project Verification™, which reviews Non-GMO claims and confirms them to the consumer with their seal.
It's important to note that just because a product is certified organic (and therefore is non-GMO) it does not mean that the product is Non-GMO Project Verified™. This is a seperate certification. However, the organic certification process would touch upon similar documentation requests.
Organic = Non-GMO, but Non-GMO ≠ Organic
It's important to understand that these two terms-- Organic and Non-GMO-- are still separate. By definition, all certified organic products must be grown without the use of GMOs. However, Non-GMO products are not necessarily organic. They often are, but they also may not be.
Looking for more information on organic or non-GMO oils for your company? Check out the Organic and Non-GMO section of our Bulk Oil Blog.
