GMO-free products
Level: Core
Procuring authorities that have taken a stance against GMOs may consider requesting this. The environmental impact from genetically modified organisms has not yet been The use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is not common in food products within the European market, rather they are primarily found in animal feed. Contracting organisations that have taken a stance against GMOs may consider requesting GMO-free products.
Details
- Type:
- Technical specification
- ID:
- 10887:1
- Group:
- Vegetables
- Swedish:
Criterion text
Products containing fruit and vegetables shall not consist of, contain, or have been created from genetically modified organisms (GMO). Traces of authorised GMO1 are permitted under the condition that they are unintentional or technically unavoidable, and that they do not constitute more than 0.9 per cent of each individual raw material in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed.
1. GMO that are authorised in accordance with Directive 2001/18/EC and that are included in the European Commission's register of GMOs authorised for food
Verification
Upon request, the supplier shall be ready to present one of the following, for example:
- Product specification, list of contents or other information about the product in a product database, that shows compliance with the requirement.
Proposed follow-up
This requirement can be followed up, for example, by carrying out spot checks on delivered food products. This can be done by checking one of the following:
- Product specification, list of contents or other information about the product in a product database, that shows compliance with the requirement.
Information about the criterion
The criterion can be applied to conventional raw materials and food products. The criterion does not need to be applied to organic food products as the EU regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products does not permit GMO.
Motive
Genetic engineering is a controversial technology. This is why the EU imposes strict requirements on labelling, and on which GMOs can be placed on the market. Soya, maize, oilseed rape and cotton are the most common genetically modified crops. GMO is not common in food products within the European market, rather they are primarily found in animal feed. Contracting organisations that have taken a stance against GMOs may consider requesting GMO-free products.
The Swedish Food Agency provides further information about genetically modified food.
Versions history
The version date indicates when the sustainability criterion was created or last updated. Last reviewed dated tells when we last checked that the sustainability criterion still is relevant.
- Current ID
- 10887:1
- Version date
- 2023-02-07
2023-02-07: Requirement ID 10887:1 The criteria text has been adjusted but the meaning is unchanged. Added suggestions for follow-up. Removed certification as a proposal for evidence as GMOs are subject to labelling. 2014-06-11, Requirement ID 10887: Original version.