Company Position
January 2001

ShariAnn’s Organics does not use any ingredients grown from genetically modified seed stock (GMO's). We believe that it is impossible for humans to predict the outcome of this activity.

Organic Certification is one way to eliminate the use of GMOs in foods. In order to be certified organic, a farmer or processor is prohibited from using GMO materials in crop production or processing. Therefore, ShariAnn's maintains its status as Certified Organic with Quality Assurance International, an internationally recognized third party certifying organization.

Maintaining our certification means that at least 95% of the ingredients used in our products must be certified organic, and all ingredients used must not originate from GMO seed. In addition, all processing of our products must be done in a certified organic facility, without the use of GMO processing aids. In order for us to maintain our certified organic status, we must be inspected annually, and purchase certified organic food ingredients for our manufactured products. In turn, for a food ingredient to be certified organic, it must come from seed that is not genetically modified.

Also, effective September 1999, we require each ingredient supplier to sign an additional affidavit stating that no GMOs have been used in the growing and/or preparation of its product. We do not purchase materials from suppliers who have not signed this document.

The challenge with this chain of responsibility is the fact that GMO seed has been released into the environment without sufficient research showing its behavior and effects on the surrounding ecology. The result is that now GMO seed is intermingling with non-GMO seed primarily through cross-pollination in the field and co-mingling of harvested crops. However, we at ShariAnn's promote the use and protection of non-GMO seed, and the development of a strong food industry that can provide non-GMO products to its customers.

Ann E. Sinclair
Founder & CEO