SAN DIEGO, CA – Quality Assurance International (QAI), in conjunction with the Non-GMO Project and the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA), will offer a one-day training course for inspectors on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
 

This training will provide an introduction to GMOs, and how they relate to the Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organization that offers consumers a choice when choosing food products. It will cover the verification of production chains as non-GMO and discuss the following topics:

·         Technical background on Non-GMO issues;

·         The Non-GMO Project, goals and organizational structure;

·         The Non-GMO Project Standard;

·         How to verify the Non-GMO Project Standard during on-site inspections; and

·         How to successfully navigate the Product Verification Program, a program that identifies product compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard.  

When:   Saturday, August 16th, 2008, from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM PST

Where: QAI will host this one-day training event at their headquarters located at 9191 Towne Centre Drive Suite 510, San Diego, CA 92122. Phone: 858.792.3531 Map

Who: The training will be given by David Gould, Director of Technical Services for FoodChain Global Advisors.  David has been active in efforts to control GMOs for the past 12 years and has extensive experience as an organic inspector and certifier. 

How to Register:  Send an e-mail request to David Gould at dgould@foodchainadvisors.com; and mail payment by check, payable to FoodChain Global Advisors, to: 

FoodChain Global Advisors

Attn: Aurelien Windenberger, Financial Manager
            504 North Fourth Street, suite 108
            Fairfield, IA 52556 
 

The deadline to register for the training is August 1st, 2008.  The registration fee is $125 per person (includes lunch and coffee/tea/snacks).  Space is limited so inspectors are encouraged to register early. Registration will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Following the close of the registration period, introductory information will be sent via e-mail to all registrants, with complete instructional materials distributed at the training.  Participants will receive a Letter of Participation issued by IOIA and FoodChain as official recognition of having completed training on this important topic.
 

Background on the Non-GMO Project

The Project has established the first industry-wide standard for non-GMO products.  With the help of its technical consultants, FoodChain Global Advisors, it has also created an independent, third-party Product Verification Program to identify products that are compliant with the Non-GMO Project Standard.  The program has been designed to dovetail with organic standards as much as possible, and there is a significant role for organic inspectors, who will conduct many of the on-site audits required.

Involvement with the Non-GMO Project is an exciting and unique opportunity to participate in an effort that promises to have a huge and positive impact on the world's food supply.

Quality Assurance International (QAI, Inc.)

QAI is the global leader in certification services and has operations in the U.S., Canada, Japan and the European Union. Clients include agricultural producers, food processing facilities, integrated manufacturing operations, contract packing operations, traders, distributors, retailers, and other unique food operations. QAI’s programs are designed to verify compliance at every link of the product handling chain, thus assuring consumers that product integrity is preserved in the marketplace.