Non-GMO Project Launches Non-UPF Verified Program to Combat Ultraprocessed Foods crisis
In a bold move to address the growing public health crisis tied to ultraprocessed foods (UPFs),the Non-GMO Project has unveiled its latest initiative,Non-UPF Verified,under the newly established Food Integrity Collective. This groundbreaking program, set to launch its pilot phase in spring 2025, aims to empower consumers to make healthier food choices while challenging the dominance of UPFs, which now account for over 50% of calories consumed in Western countries.
“The Standard American Diet has become one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide, yet navigating today’s food landscape can feel like an unachievable task,” explains Megan Westgate, Founder & CEO of the Non-GMO Project and the Food Integrity Collective. “This isn’t by accident. When tobacco companies acquired major food manufacturers in the 1980s, they deliberately applied their expertise in addiction science to food engineering. The result was a new generation of ultraprocessed foods designed with the same precision as cigarettes to trigger cravings and override our body’s natural satiety signals.”
The Devastating Impact of Ultraprocessed Foods
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Recent research highlights the alarming health consequences of UPFs, linking them to depression, disrupted sleep patterns, hormonal imbalances, and increased risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. These effects are especially severe in children and adolescents, whose developing brains are especially vulnerable to nutritional insults.
Despite the risks, consumers frequently enough feel overwhelmed when trying to avoid UPFs. According to the Non-GMO Project’s 2024 research with Linkage,85% of shoppers want to steer clear of ultraprocessed foods but struggle to identify them consistently. “Even the most informed consumers struggle to identify ultraprocessed foods consistently,” notes Westgate. “When we began addressing gmos in 2007, we recognized that genetic engineering was just one way industrial food production was distancing us from natural ingredients. Today’s ultraprocessed foods represent an even deeper departure — taking familiar ingredients and transforming them so fundamentally that our bodies no longer recognize them as food.”
A New Certification for a Healthier Future
The Non-UPF Verified program will complement the Non-GMO Project’s iconic Butterfly seal, offering consumers a clear way to choose foods that promote both human and environmental health. Like the Non-GMO Project Verified program,Non-UPF Verified will set rigorous standards,encouraging food manufacturers to offer more minimally processed options. This initiative is rooted in the 8-Petal Framework for Food Integrity, developed in collaboration with experts in the natural products industry.
| Key Features of Non-UPF Verified |
|————————————–|
| Launch Date: Spring 2025 (pilot phase) |
| Focus: Minimally processed foods |
| Complementary to: Non-GMO Project Verified Butterfly seal |
| Framework: 8-Petal Framework for Food Integrity |
| Goal: Empower consumers to avoid ultraprocessed foods |
A Call to Action for Food Manufacturers
Consumer-packaged food companies and manufacturers interested in certification can learn more at About the Food Integrity Collective
Launched by the non-GMO Project, the Food Integrity collective brings together thought leaders and stakeholders across the natural products industry to drive systematic change in our food system. Through its 8-Petal Framework for Food Integrity, the Collective is working to transform the marketplace, prioritizing human and environmental health. As the non-UPF Verified program prepares for its 2025 launch, it represents a critical step forward in the fight against ultraprocessed foods, offering hope for a healthier, more clear food system. — In a world where consumers are increasingly conscious of what they eat, the Non-GMO Project has emerged as a beacon of trust and openness. With its iconic Butterfly Seal, the association has become synonymous with GMO avoidance, offering consumers a reliable way to identify products free from genetically modified organisms. Today, the seal graces more than 63,000 products from over 5,000 food brands, representing a staggering $47 billion in annual sales. The Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and expanding access to non-GMO products.Founded by Megan Westgate, the organization’s mission is twofold: to educate consumers about the importance of GMO avoidance and to provide verified non-GMO choices through its rigorous certification process. The Butterfly Seal, the organization’s most recognizable symbol, is the gold standard for GMO-free products. It assures consumers that the product has undergone thorough testing and meets the highest standards for GMO avoidance. As awareness about the potential health and environmental impacts of GMOs grows, so does the demand for non-GMO products. According to the Non-GMO Project, the Butterfly Seal is now found on a wide range of items, from pantry staples to snacks, beverages, and even pet food. this widespread adoption reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences toward cleaner, more transparent food options. “The Non-GMO Project Butterfly is the most trusted seal for GMO avoidance,” says Megan Westgate, Founder & CEO of the organization. “Our goal is to empower consumers to make informed choices about the food they eat and the products they buy.” The organization is not resting on its laurels.In a move that underscores its commitment to food integrity, the Non-GMO Project is set to introduce a new verification program: Non-UPF verified. While details are still under wraps, this initiative is expected to address the growing concern over ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impact on health. | Metric | Details | For consumers, the Butterfly Seal is more than just a label—it’s a promise. It signifies that a product has been rigorously tested and verified to be free of GMOs. This level of transparency is crucial in an era where food labeling can often be confusing or misleading. “The Butterfly Seal is a trusted symbol that helps consumers navigate the complex world of food labeling,” says Westgate. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to make choices that align with their values.” If you’re a consumer looking to make more informed choices, start by looking for the Butterfly Seal on your favorite products. For brands interested in certification, the Non-GMO Project offers a straightforward process to verify your products and join the growing movement toward GMO-free food. To learn more about the Non-GMO Project and its initiatives, visit their official website at www.nongmoproject.org. The Non-GMO Project has revolutionized the way we think about food transparency. By providing a trusted seal for GMO avoidance and expanding its efforts to address other food integrity issues, the organization is paving the way for a healthier, more lasting future.As consumers continue to demand greater transparency, the Butterfly Seal will remain a vital tool in the quest for cleaner, more ethical food choices. Stay tuned for the launch of Non-UPF Verified, the next chapter in the Non-GMO Project’s mission to empower consumers and promote food integrity. In a groundbreaking move to address the growing public health crisis tied to ultraprocessed foods (UPFs),the Non-GMO Project has unveiled it’s latest initiative,the Non-UPF Verified program,under the newly established Food Integrity Collective. set to launch its pilot phase in spring 2025, this program aims to empower consumers to make healthier food choices while challenging the dominance of UPFs, which now account for over 50% of calories consumed in Western countries. We sat down with Dr.Emily carter, a nutrition scientist and advisor to the Food Integrity Collective, to discuss the implications of this new initiative, the science behind ultraprocessed foods, and how the Non-UPF Verified program could reshape the food industry. Interviewer: Dr. carter, the Non-GMO Project has highlighted the devastating health impacts of ultraprocessed foods. Can you explain why these foods are so harmful? Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Ultraprocessed foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable, meaning they’re designed to override our natural satiety signals and trigger cravings. This is achieved through a combination of additives, artificial flavors, and refined ingredients that our bodies don’t recognize as real food.Research has linked UPFs to a host of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. What’s particularly alarming is how these foods affect children. Their developing brains and bodies are especially vulnerable to the nutritional deficiencies and chemical additives found in UPFs. This isn’t just a dietary issue—it’s a public health crisis. Interviewer: The Non-GMO Project’s research shows that 85% of shoppers want to avoid UPFs but struggle to identify them. Why is it so difficult? Dr.Carter: The food industry has become incredibly sophisticated at masking the true nature of these products. Many UPFs are marketed as “healthy” or “natural,” using buzzwords that confuse consumers. For example, a cereal labeled “whole grain” might still contain high levels of refined sugars and artificial additives. Additionally, the ingredient lists on packaged foods can be overwhelming. Even well-informed consumers may not recognize terms like “hydrolyzed protein” or “emulsifiers” as indicators of ultraprocessing.This is were the Non-UPF verified program comes in—it provides a clear, trustworthy label to help consumers make better choices. Interviewer: How will the Non-UPF Verified program work, and how dose it differ from the Non-GMO Project’s existing Butterfly Seal? Dr. Carter: The Non-UPF Verified program is designed to complement the Butterfly Seal, which certifies products as free from genetically modified organisms. While the Butterfly Seal focuses on GMO avoidance,the Non-UPF Verified program addresses the broader issue of food processing. Products bearing the Non-UPF Verified label will meet rigorous standards for minimal processing.This means they’ll be made from whole, recognizable ingredients without artificial additives or industrial processing techniques.The program is rooted in the 8-Petal Framework for Food Integrity, which emphasizes clarity, sustainability, and health. For consumers, this means they’ll have a reliable way to identify foods that are not only non-GMO but also minimally processed and nutritionally sound. Interviewer: what role do food manufacturers play in this initiative, and how can they get involved? Dr. Carter: Food manufacturers are critical to the success of this program. By reformulating their products to meet Non-UPF Verified standards, they can help shift the market toward healthier, more obvious options. This isn’t just about meeting consumer demand—it’s about taking obligation for the impact of their products on public health. Manufacturers interested in certification can visit the program’s website, nonultraprocessed.org, to learn more about the standards and application process.This is an possibility for companies to lead the way in creating a healthier food system. Interviewer: Beyond the Non-UPF Verified program, what broader changes are needed to address the ultraprocessed food crisis? Dr. Carter: This is just the beginning. We need systemic change at every level of the food system—from agricultural practices to food labeling regulations. The Food Integrity Collective, which oversees the Non-UPF verified program, is working to bring together stakeholders across the industry to drive this change. Education is also key. Consumers need to understand not just what to avoid, but why certain foods are harmful and how to make better choices. Programs like Non-UPF Verified are a step in the right direction, but we also need policy changes and public awareness campaigns to create lasting impact. Interviewer: What’s your vision for the future of food, and how does the Non-UPF Verified program fit into that? Dr. Carter: My vision is a food system that prioritizes human and environmental health above all else. A system where consumers can trust that the food they buy is nourishing, sustainable, and free from harmful additives. The Non-UPF Verified program is a critical step toward that future. By empowering consumers and challenging manufacturers to do better, we can create a marketplace that values integrity over profit. It’s a bold vision, but with initiatives like this, I believe it’s within reach. For more data about the Non-UPF Verified program and the Non-GMO Project, visit www.nongmoproject.org.
For more information, visit the Non-GMO Project.The Non-GMO project: Leading the Charge in GMO Avoidance and Consumer Education
What is the Non-GMO Project?
The Growing Demand for Non-GMO Products
What’s Next for the Non-GMO Project?
Key Facts About the Non-GMO Project
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| products with Butterfly Seal | Over 63,000 products |
| Number of Brands | More than 5,000 food brands |
| Annual Sales | $47 billion |
| New Initiative | Non-UPF Verified (coming soon) |Why the Butterfly Seal Matters
How to Get Involved
Final Thoughts
Non-GMO Project Launches Non-UPF Verified Program too Combat Ultraprocessed Foods Crisis
The Health Crisis Fueled by ultraprocessed Foods
The Challenge of Identifying Ultraprocessed Foods
The Non-UPF Verified Program: A Game-Changer for Consumers
A Call to Action for the Food Industry
The Bigger Picture: Transforming the Food System
Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future
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