SunOpta, an organic, specialty and natural health products manufacturer, has received Non-Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)/Non-Genetically Engineered (GE) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Process Verified Program (PVP) Certification for its manufacturing facility in Hope, Minnesota.
The facility is said to be the first in the US to receive USDA PVP verification for Non-GMO/Non-GE products.
SunOpta's Hope facility can now produce PVP verified Non-GE/GMO food-grade soybeans and corn, which will have full auditing and verification of the USDA.
Commenting on the approval, SunOpta CEO Steve Bromley said: "Becoming the first PVP verified Non-GMO food manufacturing facility in the United States is a great honor for SunOpta and consistent with our commitment to Non-GMO and organic food products which are in high demand with today's consumers.
"Having USDA verify that we are complying with our standards ensures that our customers can be confident that they are getting the highest quality Non-GMO soybeans and corn. We look forward to implementing the USDA PVP program at other SunOpta facilities across our vertically integrated platform."
SunOpta can now label its food-grade soybeans and corn as non-GMO/GE.
The certification has been granted for a period of six months initially, with the company to apply for an extension later.
