Non-GM certification body Cert ID Europe has been approved as the first UK group for VLOG, the German government-backed programme which advocates the labelling of non-genetically modified foods.
Certification to the VLOG standard allows products to be labelled 'Ohne GenTechnik' (without genetic engineering) in Germany and approval of Cert ID to carry out audits opens up many opportunities for British food and animal feed manufacturers as well as farmers who wish to export to Germany.
The 'Ohne GenTechnik' certification seal can also be used on compliant British meat, dairy and egg products on sale in the UK – giving suppliers direct access to consumers concerned about the GM content of food.
"Whether it is cars or food, German consumers have always been passionate about quality" said Richard Werran, Managing Director of Cert ID Europe.
"In 2008 the German Government decided to support consumer choice with regard to GMOs and more importantly, animal derivatives such as meat, milk and eggs that have been produced by feeding the animals a non-GMO diet. The scheme has been a resounding success with more and more food producers subscribing to the programme.
"The Ohne Gentechnik scheme provides food producers and farmers who are rearing animals or producing milk and eggs ‘GM-free’ to now target the German sector and, more exciting, the opportunity for the first non-GMO labelling in the UK. We are delighted to be working with Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik (VLOG) to provide this service”.
Alexander Hissting, General Manager VLOG said: "We're delighted to have Cert ID joining our ranks.
"The ‘Ohne GenTechnik’ seal is welcomed and trusted by more and more German consumers.
"We are pleased by the prospect that quality British food will also be available with “Ohne GenTechnik” labelling in Germany in the near future and that British consumers will also be able to make a clear choice against GMOs in agriculture and food production with their daily food purchase.”
