ProTerra and VLOG Recognition Agreement Strengthens Non-GMO Certification Alignment

ProTerra and the German Association Food without Genetic Engineering (Verband  Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik e.V. VLOG) have agreed to recognise ProTerra Standard V5.0 certification as equivalent to the current VLOG Standard under defined conditions. This recognition applies to plant-based foods at Stage III “Industrial Processing” (food manufacturers). And it is feasible for all companies that manufacture outside the European Union.

The agreement provides regulatory clarity and operational efficiency for certified operators, enabling smoother market access for ProTerra Plus certified products within the German and European non-GMO markets. It also supports harmonisation between certification systems while maintaining robust verification requirements.

Key Compliance Requirements

All foods associated with a ProTerra Plus certification, including ingredients, additives, processing aids, and other substances, must meet strict non-GMO criteria. Products must not be genetically modified, must not contain genetically modified organisms, and must not be produced from or by genetically modified organisms. Technically unavoidable or accidental traces of genetically modified material are tolerated only up to a maximum threshold of 0.1 per cent per ingredient.

A ProTerra Plus certification is valid only if the audit takes place during the production period of the certified products. Furthermore, all criteria and indicators under Principle 5 (Avoidance of GMOs) must be fully met, even where some of these are not classified by ProTerra as core indicators. Compliance with these requirements is verified as part of the ProTerra Plus audit process.

All ProTerra Plus certified products must be clearly identified and labelled as such, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain and enabling downstream operators and customers to easily recognise compliant products.

By establishing equivalence between the two standards, the agreement reinforces confidence in non-GMO claims, reduces duplication of audits, and supports consistent application of non-GMO requirements across certified supply chains.