Exploring A CBD Certificate of Analysis: Part 5 of a Series
Product Claims:
What it Means to be Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Kosher and Vegan
Many people who shop for CBD products check labels for claims like “Certified Kosher” or “Vegan,” that assure them that the products meet certain criteria—such as being free of an unwanted ingredient, or produced in a way that meets their health, religious, or environmental concerns. Our Caliper CBD products are produced to meet several “Product Claims” standards that are available on our labels and in our Certificate of Analysis (COA).
In the “Product Claims” section of our COA, you’ll find the certifying information that our products have met key quality and compliance standards for Certified Kosher, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Vegan designations. Here’s a little background about each one.
Certified Kosher
What does it mean? This certification verifies that the ingredients, production processes and machinery, and food-service processes comply with the standards of kashrut (Jewish dietary law), which specify the types of food that a Jewish person may eat and the ways in which it may be prepared.
Why it’s important: The certification provides an assurance to observant Jews that they can consume the product with confidence, since it conforms fully to kashrut standards. Others may seek out kosher products as an added assurance that a product has met additional requirements and inspections.
How we confirm it: Our facilities are regularly inspected and certified annually by Brooklyn, New York-based Organized Kashrut Laboratories, one of the nation’s leading Kosher certification companies. You’ll find their “circled K” symbol on all our products.
Non-GMO
What does it mean? GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are created by artificially changing the genetic makeup of an organism, rather than using traditional breeding methods. Our Non-GMO statement indicates that all ingredients that go into our products, as well as the products themselves, are free of GMOs.
Why it’s important: Currently, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require safety assessment of GMO crops before they go to market (though it invites companies to do so voluntarily). That means there’s no nationally mandated guarantee for consumers that the GMO products they consume are safe. We’d rather not include GMOs in our products, especially knowing that most of the corn, sugar beets, soybeans and other major U.S. crops come from genetically modified varieties.
How we confirm it: All our trusted ingredient providers are required to give us quality assurance statements that they are free of GMOs.
Gluten-Free
What does it mean? Gluten is a type of protein in wheat, rye, barley, and crossbreeds of those grains, and it’s found in many breads, cereals, pastas, and other grain-based foods. A “gluten-free” statement on a product confirms that it meets the FDA’s standards for a “gluten-free” label, containing less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. (That’s the lowest level that can be consistently detected in foods using valid analytical methods.)
Why it’s important: For the estimated 3 million Americans living with celiac disease, gluten can trigger an autoimmune reaction in the small intestine and cause severe health problems. Another 18 million Americans may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which can also cause significant symptoms when they ingest even small amounts of gluten. Many others simply choose to avoid gluten for other health or personal reasons.
How we confirm it: We require all our ingredients suppliers to meet FDA’s stringent “gluten-free” standards.
Vegan
What does it mean? A food product is considered vegan if it does not contain animal products or animal-derived ingredients.
Why is it important: For people who are avoiding any animal-based products for any reasons (such as health, environmental or ethical concerns), a vegan statement confirms that they can consume the product with confidence.
How we confirm it: All our trusted ingredient providers are required to give us quality assurance statements that their products are vegan.
A Final Word
When you choose Caliper CBD, you can rest assured that the product claims we make on our labels, and in our COAs, are backed by solid science and documentation. Our team of food scientists and quality control experts works hard to make sure our products meet the standards each product claim requires, with full traceability. We think you deserve nothing less.
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