A Collaborative Initiative Working to Ensure the Sustained Availability of Non-GMO Options

ATLANTA, GA – A happy kitchen is a Home Appétit Kitchen, one stocked with non-genetically modified oils, verified by the prestigious Non-GMO Project.  The recent verification announcement comes on the heels of Home Appétit’s web launch that features detail and description of its very high-quality Extra Virgin Olive and Canola oils.

“We are enormously proud of this verification,” said Kurt Singleton, Co-Owner of Home Appétit, “because it validates the passion and commitment all of us have to make available the healthiest products for everyday kitchens and home chefs.”

Home Appétit extra virgin Olive Oils are special varietals of Italian and Spanish olives, estate grown in the high, sun-drenched hills of Uruguay.  Canola oils are rich in color with floral notes and mechanically pressed, meaning no chemicals are used to extract the oil.

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization offering North America’s only third party verification for non-GMO (genetically modified organism) foods and products.

Home Appétit products are available online at homeappetit.com and are discounted 20% for Non-GMO Project supporters by using the code NonGmo20 at checkout.  But, that’s not all. The premium line of Home Appétit 25 Star Vinegars and Toasted Spice Blends are also up next for Non-GMO Project Verification. For more information about Home Appétit contact Kurt Singleton at ksingleton@homeappetit.com.

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For Press Inquiries:
Amanda Singleton
615-830-1414

The CEO/founder of the company, Maura (“Mo”) is a Board Certified Health Coach-AADP and lovingly calls her snacks ‘Morselicious Treats’ – not cookies, as they contain no eggs, sugar, butter or fat.

Mo discovered her ‘Morselicious Treats’ when her dad, Mac, a diabetic and heart patient (recovering from quadruple bypass surgery) craved baked treats. So to keep her dad healthy and satisfied, she baked up a vegan, gluten and sodium free (no sweeteners or preservatives) snack that contained oodles of MORSELICIOUSness! Her family and friends could not get enough – so Mo kept them coming! Nearly two years later, Mac-n-Mo’s morsels are sold in 25 retail locations in California and three online stores (and recently picked up by Albert’s Organics, a sub-division of U.N.F.I. International Distribution Company).

Mo’s promise to providing high-quality ‘Morselicious Treats’ has been recognized by the rigorous standards of the “Non-GMO Project Verified seal,” North America’s only independent verification for products made according to best practices for GMO (genetically modified organism) avoidance.

GMOs are engineered with bacteria and viruses to produce insecticides and survive heavy doses of herbicides…that’s not healthy for us OR for the environment!

Mo is committed to creating and sharing a “morselicious” lifestyle for people without hidden sugars or sweeteners using real whole foods and lots of fun!

Additional background on Maura: http://blog.integrativenutrition.com/2013/01/maura-knowles-develops-a-healthy-baked-morsel-company

Additional background on Mac-n-Mo’s: www.macnmos.com

Twenty-Two Teas Receive Verification from the Non-GMO Project

NOVATO, CALIF., (February 22, 2013) – The Republic of Tea, leading purveyor of premium teas, is pleased to announce the Non-GMO Project Verification of over 20 of its premium teas and herbs from the Non-GMO Project. The Non-GMO Project, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, offers North America’s only third party verification and labeling for non-GMO (genetically modified organism) food and products.

Many of the teas that are now Non-GMO Project verified have been part of The Republic of Tea’s collection since the founding of the company in 1992*. The following are The Republic of Tea’s current Non-GMO Project Verified Teas:

Full-Leaf Loose Teas

• Jasmine Jazz Full-Leaf Green Tea*
• Matcha Stone Ground Tea Powder
• Milk Oolong Full-Leaf Loose Tea
• Natural Hibiscus Full-Leaf Loose Tea
• Wuyi Oolong Full-Leaf Loose Tea*

Tea Bag Teas

• Organic Dancing Leaves Green Tea Bags
• Organic Green Earl Greyer Green Tea Bags
• Organic Assam Breakfast Tea Bags*
• Organic Mint Fields Herb Tea Bags
• Organic Cedarberg Red Tea Bags
• Organic Natural Green Rooibos Tea Bags
• Orange Ginger Mint Herb Tea Bags*
• Organic Double Red Rooibos Tea Bags
• Organic Double Green Matcha Tea Bags
• Chamomile Lemon Tea Bags*
• Dragon Oolong Tea Bags
• Emperor’s 100% White Tea Bags
• Lucky Irish Breakfast Black Tea Bags
• Natural Hibiscus Tea Bags
• The People’s Green Tea Bags
• Decaf People’s Green Tea Bags
• British Breakfast Black Tea Bags

The Republic of Tea’s verified products are produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard, which means that ongoing testing of all GMO risk ingredients, facility inspections and an annual audit take place to ensure that the company is meeting the highest possible standards for GMO avoidance.

“As a company we strive to embrace sustainability and value the commitment we make to our Citizens to offer the finest and healthiest premium teas,” said Ron Rubin, CEO and Minister of Tea. “Receiving Non-GMO Verification provides us the opportunity to strengthen this commitment and brings us closer to accomplishing our overall mission to become the world’s leading purveyor of full-leaf teas and herbs – respected for unsurpassed quality and unequaled product selection.”

These teas are The Republic of Tea’s first to be Non-GMO Project Verified. The company is in the process of receiving verification for its additional full-leaf and signature, round, unbleached tea bags. Teas that are Non-GMO Project Verified assume the official Non-GMO Project seal of verification on their packaging, indicating that the products have gone through the verification process. As new teas become verified they will be officially listed on the Non-GMO Project’s website.

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About The Non-GMO Project:

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. The organization offer North America’s ONLY third party verification for products produced according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance. Learn more about the Non-GMO Project at www.nongmoproject.org.

About The Republic of Tea:

The Republic of Tea enriches people’s lives through its premium teas, education and innovation, as it emphasizes a “Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp” lifestyle. Founded in 1992, The Republic of Tea sparked a specialty tea revolution. Today the brand offers an unequaled selection of the highest-quality teas, herbal blends, books and nature-inspired sip ware, available exclusively at specialty retailers throughout the U.S. Further, The Republic of Tea is mindful of how its actions impact the greater community and actively supports worthy organizations like The Whole Planet Foundation, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Room to Read, The Ethical Tea Partnership, Rainforest Alliance certification and Non-GMO Project verification. For more information, please visit www.REPUBLICofTEA.com or call 1.800.298.4832. Follow The Republic of Tea on Twitter at twitter.com/republicoftea and Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheRepublicofTea.

Media contact:
Alicia De Martini, Minister of Enlightenment, The Republic of Tea
802.863.3929
alicia@republicoftea.com

5 Hamilton Landing
Suite 100
Novato, CA 94949
~ Tel 415.382.3400 ~ Fax 415.382.3401 ~

February 27, 2013: Today’s Washington Post included a special circular dedicated to The Organic Movement. The center spread of the circular features an article by Non-GMO Project Executive Director Megan Westgate. Click here to download a PDF of the circular.

Seattle, WA – OMG Foods Inc is extremely proud to have their allergy friendly,  superfood cereal line (ChiaRezza! Organic Chia Cereal) verified by the Non-GMO Project. The cereal flavors are free from the Top 8 Allergens as well as certified:  Organic, Kosher, Gluten Free and Vegan.  www.chia-rezza.com

“We believe every consumer has the right to know what’s in their food, and the right to choose whether or not to consume GMOs. It was an easy decision right from the beginning to get our products Non-GMO Project Verified.” – Dr. Peter Britton & Tee Britton, founders.

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are plants or animals that are created through experimental gene splicing techniques of biotechnology. GMOs have not been proven to be safe and may cause potential health issues.  There is no mandatory labeling of GMOs in the US and Canada, where GMOs are present in over 80% of packaged foods.

About ChiaRezza!

Dr. Britton and his wife are parents of a little girl with food allergies. They discovered many snacks and healthy foods their daughter ate were produced on contaminated equipment, which lead to constant skin breakouts and sleepless nights in Seattle. Our mission is to provide premium, nutritious, allergy friendly foods that meet the highest standards of food safety through multiple third party certifications and dedicated responsible manufacturing.  ChiaRezza was made with you in mind.

Two amazing flavors:  Forbidden Fruit (apple cinnamon) and Almighty Mango Goji.  Raw, organic superseeds (chia, hemp & buckwheat) are fabulously blended with organic dried superfruits and organic superspices to nourish the body’s trillions of cells.  Enjoy by soaking it in your favorite hot or cold liquid, or add it to your yogurt, oatmeal, granola, shake, smoothie, pancake recipe or baked good mixture. It’s a great source of plant protein & omega 3’s as well an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Website:    www.chia-rezza.com     Facebook:  www.facebook.com/chiarezzacereal

Expo West Fresh Ideas Marketplace Booth # 99 (March 7, 2013)

Expo West Booth # 5580 Hall E (March 8 – 10, 2013)

For more information, please contact:

Tee Britton

OMG Foods Inc. – Seattle, WA

CEO – Cereal Enthusiast
info@chia-rezza.com

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. The organization offer North America’s ONLY third party verification for products produced according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance.  Learn more about the Non-GMO Project at www.nongmoproject.org

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New York, New York (February 5, 2013) – Riverina Natural Oils is committed to be a leading source of farm to table natural oils and this commitment has just been reinforced! Riverina Natural Oils announced that their Expeller Pressed Canola Oil has been Non-GMO Project Verified. The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only independent verification for products made according to rigorous best practices for GMO (genetically modified organism) avoidance.

“Our verified products are produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard—that means ongoing testing of all GMO risk ingredients, facility inspections and an annual audit to ensure that we are meeting the highest possible standards for GMO avoidance,” says Company President, Tushar Adya. “We are incredibly excited to now be a part of the Non-GMO Project’s efforts. As one of the only dedicated Non-GMO processing plants in the world in the heart of the most productive oilseed growing region in Australia, our preferred access to an abundant supply of Non-GMO Canola Seeds ensures full Non-GMO traceability from farm to table.”

Riverina Natural Oils is a state of the art vegetable oil processing plant designed by Desmet Ballestra, an International Leader in Vegetable Oils and Fats Technology. The plant has an annual capacity of crushing and refining 165,000 tons of multiple varieties of seed. Our products are available in bulk, foodservice, and retail packaging formats.

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit multi-stakeholder collaboration of individuals and businesses 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.

For more information, please contact:

Caren Montante

Business Development Manager

(415) 926 7443

Caren.montante@riverinaoils.com

Cocozia will be the first Non-GMO Project Verified product that Epicurex offers, with many more to come

February 6, 2013 –  Epicurex is proud to announce that the newest addition to its health drink lineup, Cocozia, has become Non-GMO Project Verified. Cocozia is an increasingly popular brand of coconut water that has the added benefits of being   Kosher and 100% organic.

The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only independent verification for  non-GMO food and products. Non-GMO Project Verified products, like Cocozia, are produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard which includes rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance, including segregation and traceability to prevent contamination.

“We want Epicurex to be as much of a forward-thinking nutrition company as possible,” said Wade Nevill, VP of Marketing for Epicurex, LLC. “In this day and age, that means going beyond the organic label. We found a great partner in the Non-GMO Project, and we expect to continue the relationship with more of our health products in the future.”

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms”, are plants or animals created through genetic engineering. This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. GMO ingredients are increasingly likely to be in your food. In fact, more than 70% of conventional processed food contains GMOs.

Little has been done in the North American market to educate people on the potential health problems of GMO foods. This is in contrast to much of the European Union, which has gone to great lengths to restrict or ban GMO products from the marketplace. Companies like Epicurex are looking to change that for North America.

“People have a right to know what is in the beverage they are drinking,” said Mr. Nevill. “We moved to make Cocozia the most transparent it could be in terms of what went into it, and after having it verified by the Non-GMO Project, I am confident that we accomplished our objective.”

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About Epicurex LLC

Epicurex LLC is a manufacturer and distributor of exotic beverages. The company focuses on bringing unique and original all-natural organic drinks to its Customers. The company’s mission is to provide only top grade products that taste great and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

About the Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. It is the only third party verification labeling for non-GMO food and products in North America.

Since the official launch of the Non-GMO Project at Natural Products Expo West in 2007, Non-GMO Project Verified has become an established long-term trend and core value of the natural and organic products industry. Whether you were an early adopter or are just coming on board, this year’s Expo will be full of opportunities to connect, educate and celebrate our collective effort to protect a non-GMO food supply and offer consumers an informed choice.

Throughout the show, find us at:
UNFI, booth #2336
Tree of Life, booth #2456

We warmly encourage you to attend the following non-GMO events:

BEFORE EXPO

[INVITE ONLY] Non-GMO Project Participant Webinar: Booth Staff Training
Wednesday 02/20/2013
11:00 – 12:00 am (Pacific)
This special educational webinar will help prepare your booth staff for Expo West. It will cover:

• GMO 101
• Key talking points
• Answers to common questions
• Inspiration and ideas for during the show and after

Click here to register (all Non-GMO Project Participating companies are welcome).
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THURSDAY 03/07/2013

GMO Labeling: Current State & National Efforts; Lessons from Prop 37 hosted by Washington State GMO Labeling Initiatives
Thursday 03/7/2013
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Anaheim Marriot Ballroom 1 (Adjacent to Anaheim Convention Center)
(Exhibitor Presented Seminar hosted by Washington State GMP Labeling Initiatives)

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FRIDAY 03/8/2013

Managing the Non-GMO Message
Friday 03/8/2013 (New Hope Educational Session)
2 PM- 3:15 PM
Anaheim Marriot Ballroom 6 (Adjacent to Anaheim Convention Center)
SPEAKERS:
Megan Westgate – Executive Director, Non-GMO Project
Corrine Shindelar – CEO, Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA)
With mandatory GMO labeling efforts moving forward in more than 30 states and sales of Non-GMO Project Verified products at close to $3.5 million, managing the non-GMO message is more important than ever. In this session we will look at how retailers in California supported Prop 37 while simultaneously celebrating Non-GMO Month; discuss developments with I-522 in Washington state; and share strategies retailers can use to establish themselves as non-GMO leaders. We’ll also review key talking points and guidelines from the Non-GMO Communications Toolkit so that you can leave Expo feeling confident about the what and how of current non-GMO messaging.

Non-GMO Networking Reception
Co-hosted by INFRA and the Non-GMO Project
Friday 03/8/2013
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Room 213B (Anaheim Convention Center)
Join retailers, manufacturers and consumer advocates active in the non-GMO movement at an informal reception to talk about recent developments and strategize about next steps. Take a break from a long day on the show floor and enjoy some Non-GMO Project Verified snacks and beverages in the good company of others who are passionate about keeping GMOs out of natural and organic food and products.

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[INVITE ONLY] Non-GMO Project Participant Session: Understanding the Non-GMO Project Livestock Standard
Saturday 03/9/2013
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Room 213B (Anaheim Convention Center)
A special education session for Non-GMO Project participating brands. This session will provide an orientation to the Non-GMO Project’s Livestock Standard.
Click here to register (all Non-GMO Project participating and prospective companies are welcome).
SPEAKERS:
Megan Westgate, Executive Director – Non-GMO Project

Organic Roots Party, Featuring Special Guest Daniel Bambaata Marley
A generous portion of the proceeds from this party will benefit the Non-GMO Project!
Saturday 03/9/2013
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Anaheim Plaza Hotel, 1700 South Harbor Blvd

Saline, MI, January 11, 2013 – Announcing the Non-GMO Project verification of JaynRoss Creations LLC’s first product line: Thokku, a range of South Indian spiced relishes.  The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only third party verification for GMO (genetically modified organisms) avoidance, according to rigorous best practices. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to creating and producing authentic, good quality South Indian products that promote/popularize South Indian cuisine in North America.

Thokku is an all-new product category, unlike any other in the American market. It is a Tamil creation, from the Southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. The closest one can describe Thokku is as a cooked-down relish made with mainly fruits, vegetables and herbs. The flavors and cooking technique are unique to the product. Three initial varieties—tomato, tomato garlic, and cranberry—come in varied heat levels (medium, hot, and extra hot) to please different palates.

In line with their company’s mission statement, the members have laid the framework ground-up for quality products, by ensuring the best ingredients, and are very proud that all their products have been verified by the Non-GMO Project. They have worked closely over several months with the Non-GMO Project team to cover all esoteric ingredients.

From breakfast to dinner, there are many uses for Thokku. It goes great with eggs-over-easy; mix with steamed rice and edamame or sautéed cauliflower, and you have a tasty vegetarian meal; makes an excellent appetizer many ways.

Initial launch of the product line, since summer 2012, across Michigan and some of Ohio, has received rave reviews.

Contact for Further Information
Name: Peter Ross Johnston
Address: 120 Burwyck Park Dr, Saline, MI 48176
Phone: (734) 470-6222
Email: jaynross@jaynross.com
Website: www.jaynross.com

PORTLAND, Ore. — January 14, 2013 – The Better Bean Company and its five varieties of “rethought” refrigerated beans will now add Non-GMO Project Verification to their label. The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only third-party verification for non-GMO food and products. This endorsement represents The Better Bean Company’s ongoing commitment to use all natural ingredients sourced from regional farmers. Co-owners Keith and Hannah Kullberg created a new category of premium beans that are found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. The beans feature organic and Food Alliance-certified beans slow cooked by hand (not just boiled), sautéed in Oregon-grown, cold-pressed high-oleic safflower oil and packaged to seal in the fresh flavors. All the ingredients are natural, gluten-free, soy-free and vegan. “We have rethought the idea that ready-to-eat beans need to come from a can,” says Keith.

“We have been working with the Non-GMO Project for the past year to pursue verification and labeling for all our products,” says Keith. “We knew from the beginning that we wanted our products to be verified by the Non-GMO Project. Consumers trust this third-party verification seal and it supports our commitment to all-natural non-GMO ingredient sourcing.” GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA for bacteria, viruses and other animals and plants. These experimental combinations of genes cross the natural species barrier and have not been proven safe. All Better Bean products will display the Non-GMO Project seal by March 2013.

Sustainable “One-Seal” Technology

The Better Bean Company’s unique packaging is eco-friendly, and the containers are fully recyclable (#5 plastic), BPA-free and microwave-safe.  The eye-catching colors and graphics ensure the beans pop off the grocery shelf. “People are not used to buying beans in the refrigerated aisle next to the hummus,” says Keith. “We have rethought the idea that beans need to come from a can.” Most importantly, the company chose the new “one-seal” technology for its sustainable properties. Widely used throughout Europe, this system integrates the typical extra layer of plastic into the lid and represents a 30% reduction in carbon footprint. The lid is firmly sealed into place with heat and pressure, creating a food-safety barrier that peels off easily.

About Better Bean Company

Better Bean offers the first-of-its-kind refrigerated beans sustainably produced and packaged and ready to eat or heat for a quick dinner or snack. Flavors include Rethought Red Beans, Uncanny Refried Black Beans, Cuban Black Beans, Wholly Chipotle Bean Dip and Three Sisters Chili. The Better Bean product line was named a top pick among new vegan products at Natural Products Expo West in 2012. Find Better Beans at select grocers including Whole Foods Market, New Seasons, Wegman’s and more. Each flavor is available in a 14-ounce re-sealable deli tub and retails for $3.79-$3.99 MSRP. For more information, recipes and a store locator, visit www.betterbeanco.com. Follow us on Twitter @BetterBeanCo and Facebook.com/betterbean.

About the Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers and providing verified non-GMO choices. Learn more about the Non-GMO Project at www.nongmoproject.org. To get the latest non-GMO news and updates, follow the Non-GMO Project on Facebook at facebook.com/nongmoproject and on Twitter at twitter.com/nongmoproject.