Non-GMO Project Introduces Non-UPF Verified Certification to Fight Ultraprocessed Foods

Non-GMO Project Launches Non-UPF Verified Certification to Combat Ultraprocessed Foods

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — In a bold move to address a growing public health crisis, the Non-GMO Project has unveiled its latest initiative: Non-UPF Verified. This groundbreaking certification, developed under the newly formed Food Integrity Collective, aims to tackle the pervasive dominance of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in the global food supply.

Ultraprocessed foods now account for more than 50% of calories consumed in Western countries, contributing to a host of health issues, including depression, disrupted sleep, hormonal imbalances, and increased risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable, as their developing brains are more susceptible to the harmful effects of poor nutrition.

"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 impossible task," said Megan Westgate, Founder and 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 applied their expertise in addiction science to food engineering. The result was a new generation of ultraprocessed foods designed to trigger cravings and override our body’s natural satiety signals."

Recent research underscores the urgency of the issue. A 2024 study by the Non-GMO Project and Linkage found that 85% of shoppers want to avoid UPFs but often feel overwhelmed and unsupported in their efforts. "Even the most informed consumers struggle to identify ultraprocessed foods consistently," Westgate noted. "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 — transforming familiar ingredients so fundamentally that our bodies no longer recognize them as food."

The Non-UPF Verified program, set to launch in spring 2025, will complement the Non-GMO Project’s iconic Butterfly seal. It will provide clear standards to help consumers choose foods that promote both human and environmental health. The initiative is rooted in the 8-Petal Framework for Food Integrity, a collaborative effort with experts in the natural products industry.

Food manufacturers and consumer-packaged goods companies interested in certification can learn more at www.nonultraprocessed.org.

The Food Integrity Collective, established by the Non-GMO Project, brings together thought leaders and stakeholders across the natural products industry to drive systemic change. Through its 8-Petal Framework, the Collective aims to transform the marketplace to prioritize human and environmental well-being.

The Non-GMO Project, a nonprofit organization, has long been a trusted advocate for non-GMO products. Its Butterfly seal is found on more than 63,000 products from over 5,000 brands, representing $47 billion in annual sales.

As the Non-UPF Verified program prepares for its pilot phase, it marks a significant step forward in the fight against ultraprocessed foods — and a renewed commitment to a healthier, more transparent food system.

Executive Director of the Non-GMO ​Project. “Wiht the launch of Non-UPF Verified,we’re empowering consumers to ⁤make informed choices and take control of their health by identifying foods that are minimally‌ processed and free from harmful additives.This certification is a ⁢critical step ‍toward⁣ rebuilding trust⁣ in ‍our food system ​and promoting long-term well-being.”

The Non-UPF Verified certification sets a new benchmark for food integrity,requiring⁤ products to meet stringent criteria ​that exclude ultraprocessed ingredients,artificial additives,and ⁤other substances​ linked to adverse health outcomes. By prioritizing ⁢whole, nutrient-dense foods, the initiative not only supports individual ‌health but ​also encourages a shift toward more enduring and ⁣clear food production practices.

As the global conversation ⁣around food quality and its ‍impact on ​health continues to gain momentum,the​ Non-GMO Project’s Non-UPF Verified certification arrives at a pivotal moment. It offers a tangible solution for consumers seeking to break free from the cycle ​of ultraprocessed foods and⁢ reclaim their ‌health. By fostering awareness and driving demand for better food‌ options, this initiative ‍has the potential to catalyze ⁢meaningful change across the food industry—ultimately paving the way​ for a healthier, more resilient future for​ all.
Food and health sectors to redefine what it means to produce and consume food responsibly. By focusing on transparency, sustainability, and nutrition, the Non-UPF Verified certification aims to empower consumers to make choices that align with their values and health goals.

As the prevalence of ultraprocessed foods continues to rise,so dose the need for actionable solutions that address the root causes of the global health crisis. the Non-GMO Project’s introduction of the Non-UPF Verified certification marks a pivotal step forward in the fight against harmful food practices. By providing a trusted, science-backed label, this initiative not only helps consumers navigate the complexities of modern food systems but also encourages the food industry to prioritize health and integrity over profit-driven engineering.

This groundbreaking effort reflects a growing movement toward a healthier, more sustainable future. As consumers become increasingly aware of the impact of their food choices, initiatives like Non-UPF Verified offer a beacon of hope and a tangible way to reclaim control over our diets and well-being.With the launch of this certification, the Non-GMO Project reaffirms it’s commitment to fostering a food system that nourishes people, communities, and the planet.The fight against ultraprocessed foods is far from over, but the Non-UPF Verified certification is a powerful tool in the journey toward healthier, more conscious eating for all.