Demand for food and feed produced without Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is increasing rapidly worldwide. Consumers seek transparency, traders require reliable declarations, and companies need a documented system that ensures the production of Non-GMO products.
The VLOG “Ohne Gentechnik” Standard is the official German standard that defines detailed requirements for the production, handling, certification, and labeling of products without GMOs.
COSMOCERT is an approved certification body by VLOG – Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik to provide inspection and certification services in accordance with the VLOG Standard.
The VLOG (“Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik”) is a comprehensive system of requirements covering:
- Feedstuffs “VLOG geprüft”
- Food products “Ohne Gentechnik” / Non-GMO
- The entire production chain: agricultural production, transport, storage, trade, processing, and group/matrix structures
The aim of the standard is the documented assurance that no ingredient, process, or feed containing GMOs is used or comes into contact with products labeled with the “Ohne Gentechnik” designation.
VLOG applies across all supply chains:
Logistics (Transport – Storage – Distribution)
Includes the transport of bulk or packaged products, storage, and cargo handling.
Feed Production
Includes production, grinding/mixing, the use of mobile mixing facilities, and processes that convert non-GMO raw materials into “VLOG geprüft” feed.
Agriculture – Livestock Farms
Applies to producers of milk, meat, eggs, cereals, aquaculture products, etc., with the aim of ensuring proper compliance with non-GMO feeding practices.
Food Processing
Includes all processing activities such as packaging, cutting, cheese-making, production of blends, and by-products.
Group & Matrix Certification
Applies when multiple units operate under a single central organization.
✔ Complete Exclusion of Genetically Modified Ingredients
According to the standard, all food and feed products bearing the label must be free from GMOs, with no detectable traces beyond the threshold of <0.1%.
✔ Traceability & Segregation of Product Flows
The system requires full documentation and segregation of products in order to prevent contamination.
✔ Risk and Crisis Management
Documented risk analysis, a crisis management system, and action protocols in the event of non-compliance.
✔ Regular Sampling
Mandatory sampling based on the volume of production and/or trading activities.
➠ Credibility & Transparency
Consumer and partner trust is strengthened through certification under one of the most recognized Non-GMO schemes in the EU.
➠ Access to New Markets
VLOG is a prerequisite or a strong competitive advantage in the food markets of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
➠ Compliance with ESG & Sustainable Practices
Avoidance of GMOs aligns with companies’ environmental and social policies.
➠ Competitive Advantage
VLOG labeling increases the commercial value of products and differentiates them in the marketplace.
- Risk Management – HACCP-based approach
- Maintenance of Traceability & Mass Balance
- Adequate Segregation of Products under Certification
- Sampling & Laboratory Analyses
- Staff Training
- Management of Non-Conformities & Crisis Situations
