Silk® Soymilk Announces Enrollment in the Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program

Enrollment Validates Silk’s Long-Standing Commitment to Using Only Non-GMO Soybeans

BROOMFIELD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Silk® Soymilk, the leading soymilk brand in the U.S., today announced it has enrolled in the Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program. The Non-GMO Project, launched in 2008, is a non-profit collaboration of manufacturers, retailers, distributors, farmers, seed companies and consumers dedicated to the shared mission of ensuring the sustained availability of non-GMO food and beverage choices. Since the brand’s inception in 1996, Silk has been committed to providing non-GMO plant-based protein beverages. GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE).

“Silk Soymilk is enrolled in the Non-GMO Project because we believe it’s the right thing to do”

“Silk Soymilk is enrolled in the Non-GMO Project because we believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Craig Shiesley, Vice President for Silk. “This is an important way to demonstrate our continued commitment to sourcing non-GMO soybeans. Third-party verification through the Non-GMO Project helps ensure consumers are getting the high-quality products they pay for, enabling them to make informed choices and avoid products made with GMOs.”

The Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program is the nation’s first system designed to test whether a product has met defined standards for the presence of GMOs, providing third party verification that the best practices of GMO avoidance are in use. These standards include strict and comprehensive traceability, segregation and testing requirements. Silk began the verification process earlier this year. Once the verification process is completed, Silk plans to place the Non-GMO Project’s verification seal on its packaging.

Participation in the Non-GMO Project is just one of many things that set Silk apart from other soymilk choices. Silk already takes extensive steps to keep its soybeans free of GMOs, including following a comprehensive set of testing protocols to detect GMOs. From seed to manufacturing, Silk’s soybeans are tested four times to make sure they are non-GMO.

“Silk’s participation in the Non-GMO Project is a huge step forward in giving consumers everywhere the informed choice they deserve about GMOs,” said Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non-GMO Project. “When consumers see the Non-GMO Project seal on packaging, they know they can trust the product’s non-GMO status. We’re thrilled that Silk is integrating its existing non-GMO practices with the Non-GMO Project’s program, and look forward to partnering with Silk to educate consumers across the country.”

To further demonstrate its commitment, Silk plans to support the Non-GMO Project’s inaugural Non-GMO Month in October, which will include special retail promotions and consumer events leading up to Non-GMO Day on 10.10.10. Check out www.nongmoproject.org for more information, and Silk’s products are now listed on the Non-GMO Project’s Participating Products page.

Silk also is working on a new initiative that will provide transparency regarding the regions where its whole soybeans are grown, providing consumers an opportunity to discover how the soybeans used to make Silk get from crop to carton.

Over the last two years, Silk has worked closely with Conservation International, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature and the well-being of humanity, to develop a Responsible Soybean Sourcing Program. This program helps guarantee the quality Silk consumers demand while also benefiting soy-growing communities and protecting the environment. With Conservation International’s input, Silk recently updated the annual Supplier Survey that will be used to help both the company and its farmers further enhance its sourcing methods over time.

To learn more about Silk, and to find the latest updates on all the brand’s efforts to produce soymilk sustainably and responsibly, visit www.silksoymilk.com, visit Silk on Facebook or follow Silk on Twitter.

ABOUT SILK

Silk Soymilk was launched in 1996 and is the best-selling soymilk brand in the country. Not only do Silk products taste delicious, a cup of Silk soymilk contains as much calcium as a cup of milk and is loaded with soy protein, which when consumed as a part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.[1] Silk was founded on a promise to make the world a healthier place. We began by bringing soymilk mainstream, allowing more people everywhere to enjoy soy’s wholesome, natural nutrition. We recently introduced almondmilk as the next step in our proud tradition of good health and great taste. For more information, visit www.silksoymilk.com or www.silkpurealmond.com.

ABOUT NON-GMO PROJECT

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit multi-stakeholder collaboration committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. More information can be found at www.nongmoproject.org, and at www.facebook.com/nongmoproject, where over 17,000 people follow daily news and updates from the Project.

[1] In 1999 the FDA issued a health claim for soy and its role in promoting cardiovascular health. Food and Drug Administration. Food labeling, health claims, soy protein, and coronary heart disease. Fed Reg 1999;57:699-733.