The certification verifies that Nutiva’s chia seeds do not contain the herbicide glyphosate, which is widely used, and considered a probably human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Image courtesy of Nutiva
Nutiva (Richmond, CA) announced that its line of Organic Chia Seeds is now Glyphosate Residue Free, as certified by The Detox Project. The certification verifies that Nutiva’s chia seeds do not contain the herbicide glyphosate, which is widely used, and considered a probably human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The Detox Project’s Glyphosate Residue Free certification accredits that a product has no glyphosate residue down to the U.S.’s government-recognized limits of detection for foods, commodities, and supplements (typically 0.01 ppm). In order to meet these requirements, Nutiva established intensive testing and protocols with its chia seed suppliers. Every lot is selected to meet USDA Certified Organic standards prior to approval of shipment, and once the product is received at its FDA and Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified facility, Nutiva sends a composite sample to a third-party lab that tests for 450 herbicides and pesticides as well as a microbiological analysis. All chia seeds also undergo an additional proprietary filtration step to confirm purity prior to being packaged.
“We’re passionate about revolutionizing the way the world eats, and our new Glyphosate Residue Free certification extends Nutiva’s commitment to activating superfoods that are truly good for people and the planet,” said Steven Naccarato, CEO of Nutiva, in a press release. “Glyphosate is one of the most commonly recognized herbicides, and it made its way into our food system without consumer knowledge and without clear research into how harmful it is. As consumers push for transparency in how their food is grown and produced, it’s businesses’ responsibility to protect their consumers and to take action. We’ve always been committed to crafting our products with integrity and without harmful chemicals, and are proud to have our Organic Chia Seeds, and soon our entire portfolio, recognized as Glyphosate Residue Free as another way to ensure our products are safe and pure, in addition to USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.”
Nutiva will now be pursuing Glyphosate Reside Free certification for its entire line of pure coconut oils, body care, Coconut Manna™, hazelnut spread, coconut snacks, hempseed and hemp seed oil, and more.