Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services has received a US patent on “Methods for detecting genetically modified organisms” for its IGEN certification programme. The International Genetically Modified Organism evaluation and Notification programme verifies label claims about the presence of GMOs in products and ingredients. 

The FDA and Health Canada do not require companies to declare a product’s GMO status, meaning products that contain GMOs might not be labelled as such. 

“We are thrilled to announce the reception of this patent for our IGEN programme, as we continuously aim to increase consumer confidence promoting transparency,” said William Rowe, President and CEO of Nutrasource. “The IGEN certification programme was designed specifically to certify that any product, from herbal supplements and vitamins to food ingredients do not contain any of the GMO genes and proteins found in common bioengineered crops.” 

The certification mark aims to offer peace of mind for consumers. As a third-party programme, IGEN works by encouraging food and dietary supplement companies to voluntarily test their products and showcase their GMO status on their labels. 

“While there is no conclusive evidence that GMOs have a direct or immediate effect on human health, many are concerned about the long-term health and environmental impacts of genetic engineering,” added Rowe. “As a result, consumers are demanding that GMO products be labelled so they can be better informed on what they are purchasing.” 

Currently, Whole Foods Market requires non-GMO label claims on products found in stores to be substantiated to one of these third-party standards: Non-GMO Project, NSF Non-GM, USDA Organic (or equivalent international programme), Nutrasource iGen (for supplements only).