NON-GMO Regulations & Sustainability
NON-GMO Regulations
With regards to regulations concerning genetically modified organisms (GMO) the practice of pure PCR testing (detectability of genetically modified DNS) was abandoned in April 2004 and replaced by an identity preservation (IP) system. With the enforcement of the EC-Regulations 1829/2003 und 1830/2003 a real NON GM traceability “from farm to fork” was set up. If a full traceability cannot be certified, those ingredients in final products have to be labeled as “produced from genetically modified organisms”.
LECICO NON-GMO Products
LECICO IPM Lecithin has not to be labeled, because a fully certified traceability “from farm to fork” is available. The lecithin is of conventional, non GMO origin. This is backed by analytical testing along the whole production and logistic chain. Based on the certified documentation available and PCR analysis, GMO-labeling of the product and the manufactured foods and feeds thereof is not necessary.
LECICO IPM Lecithin is produced from conventional harvests, which are not genetically modified. The quantities supplied by the producers come exclusively from Brazilian cultivation and Brazilian certified crushers. Cultivation is monitored and controlled by the crushing plant. There are procedures in place to ensure all reasonable steps have been taken to avoid contamination of the soybeans during harvest, processing and transport to the plant, warehouse and customers.
To match the EC-Regulations 1829/2003 und 1830/2003 LECICO IPM Lecithin has full documentation and traceability on the origin of seeds, storage, transportation and processing of raw materials, intermediates and finished lecithin products. Analytical examination at different stage of production take place to confirm the documents and certificates generated along the production chain.
A typical flowchart for a PCR negative
Identified Preserved Monitored (IPM) soy lecithin quality:
A LECICO IPM Lecithin delivery to customers has together with all official documents and certificates the following NON-GMO guarantee:
We, LECICO GmbH, hereby confirm that the lecithin product LECICO F 600 IPM, batch No. ..xyz.. is of conventional, NON GMO origin. This guarantee is backed by full traceability and analytical testing along the production chain. Based on the documentation available and PCR analysis (transgenic DNA, Roundup Ready™ (RR) soy bean, 50 cycle 35S-Promoter NOS-Terminators) labeling of this product according to regulation 1830/2003/EC, is not necessary.
Sustainability and Responsibility in Soy Cultivation – Basel criteria
In 2004, requirements for the sustainable and responsible cultivation and processing of soy were initially formulated in Brazil by various interest groups based on the Basel criteria as a practice-oriented definition.
Its contents are all the important international agreement with relation to the environment and with respect to social accountability, such as SA 8000 – the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, International Labor Organizations, the UN Norms considering Human Rights as well as the EurepGAP Standard.
Further factors, concerning sustainability are the consideration of agronomical factors such as
- soil and water quality
- use of chemical, protective measures for seed the avoidance of genetically modified seeds
- conservation of sensitive features of the ecosystem such as primeval forests, rainforests, savannas and humid regions
- preservation of social responsibility (Corporate Social Responsibility), such as the payment of fair wages and prices, prohibition of child labor and forced labor, protection of employees’ rights, safety, welfare,
- acting according to ethical aspects regarding land ownership and property.
The standard makes a contribution to the economical, social development of society and positive development of the environment.
This standard is offered for LECICO F 600 IPM from Brazil with a TERRA PRO“ CERT-ID certificate.