Quality Assurance International
Encyclopedia
Quality Assurance International (QAI) is a U.S.
-based international organic certification
company that is authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) as “a USDA-accredited certifying agent that operates globally to certify organic operations to National Organic Program
standards.” It is a for-profit
corporation
, established in 1989, and headquartered in San Diego, California
. It is one of the world's largest certifiers, operating in the United States
, Canada
, Latin America
, European Union
, and Japan
. It is owned by public health and environmental organization NSF International
.
for agricultural producers, food processing facilities, integrated manufacturing operations, contract packing operations, traders, distributors, retailers, and ultimately consumers.
On March 23, 2006, QAI announced that it surpassed a company milestone by certifying 259,608 products.
The stringent nature of the QAI certification protocols ensures prevention of contamination and co-mingling, critically important for those with allergies to gluten and gluten-intolerance. The QAI and NFCA "Gluten-Free" certification program requires companies to produce products at less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to receive certification.
The program includes:
guidelines. Those products not meeting the NOP guidelines can be certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products "Contains Organic Ingredients."
Under this program, products with a minimum organic content of 70 percent (070) that meet the requirements can make the organic label and marketing claim of "Contains Organic Ingredients." These products can bear the unique NSF/ANSI 305 "Contains Organic Ingredients" mark, as well as the QAI "Choose Quality" mark. The Organic Trade Association considers certification to this standard a best practice. It is required by some retailers for personal care products that do not meet the National Organic Program standard for food.
, provides a joint kosher and organic auditing program. Through rabbinical supervision products can be certified to both the strictest kosher certification requirements and to the USDA National Organic Program standards for organic certification.
).
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 standard provides guidance on how to manage the environmental aspects of an organization's activities, products and services more efficiently. ISO 14001 focuses on reducing the environmental footprint, pollution and waste produced by businesses, which is consistent with QAI's mission to help support organic agriculture and protect the environment.
ISO 14001 registration verifies that QAI has effective procedures in place to monitor and continuously improve its environmental performance. To obtain ISO 14001 registration, QAI reduced energy and raw material use; implemented a paperless documentation and billing management system; developed a recycling program for paper, plastic containers and bags, electronics, mercury-containing light bulbs and batteries; and instituted a composting program for coffee grounds, tea bags and fruit/vegetable food scraps.
QAI is also active in the Organic Trade Association
(OTA) to help protect and promote organic practices. QAI Senior Vice President Joe Smillie has served as OTA president and as a member of the board of directors. QAI President Kristen Holt currently serves on the board of directors as treasurer.
Also, under USDA National Organic Program rules QAI as an accredited certifying agent must accept the certification decisions of other accredited certifying agents. QAI was not the certifier in China. Frozen vegetables certified organic by QAI and originating in China that were also tested at the same time were found to be pesticide free. The contamination in the powdered ginger was not linked to the point in the product cycle at which it was certified by QAI, and the retailer of the product pulled the powdered ginger off their store shelves as soon as they became aware of the contamination.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-based international organic certification
Organic certification
Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, [food] processors, retailers and restaurants.Requirements vary...
company that is authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food...
(USDA) as “a USDA-accredited certifying agent that operates globally to certify organic operations to National Organic Program
National Organic Program
In the United States, the National Organic Program is the federal regulatory framework governing organic food. It is also the name of the organization in the Department of Agriculture responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 In...
standards.” It is a for-profit
Profit (accounting)
In accounting, profit can be considered to be the difference between the purchase price and the costs of bringing to market whatever it is that is accounted as an enterprise in terms of the component costs of delivered goods and/or services and any operating or other expenses.-Definition:There are...
corporation
Corporation
A corporation is created under the laws of a state as a separate legal entity that has privileges and liabilities that are distinct from those of its members. There are many different forms of corporations, most of which are used to conduct business. Early corporations were established by charter...
, established in 1989, and headquartered in San Diego, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. It is one of the world's largest certifiers, operating in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
, European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
, and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. It is owned by public health and environmental organization NSF International
NSF International
NSF International is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based not-for-profit public health and environmental organization that provides standards development, product certification, auditing, education and risk management services.-History:...
.
Organic Certification
QAI offers organic certification under the National Organic ProgramNational Organic Program
In the United States, the National Organic Program is the federal regulatory framework governing organic food. It is also the name of the organization in the Department of Agriculture responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 In...
for agricultural producers, food processing facilities, integrated manufacturing operations, contract packing operations, traders, distributors, retailers, and ultimately consumers.
On March 23, 2006, QAI announced that it surpassed a company milestone by certifying 259,608 products.
Gluten-Free Certification
QAI, in partnership with National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), developed a science-based gluten-free certification program.The stringent nature of the QAI certification protocols ensures prevention of contamination and co-mingling, critically important for those with allergies to gluten and gluten-intolerance. The QAI and NFCA "Gluten-Free" certification program requires companies to produce products at less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to receive certification.
The program includes:
- Product review
- Onsite inspection
- Testing to ensure compliance to 10ppm or less
- Ongoing compliance including random product testing
Personal Care Certification
QAI certifies personal care products to the National Organic ProgramNational Organic Program
In the United States, the National Organic Program is the federal regulatory framework governing organic food. It is also the name of the organization in the Department of Agriculture responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 In...
guidelines. Those products not meeting the NOP guidelines can be certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products "Contains Organic Ingredients."
Under this program, products with a minimum organic content of 70 percent (070) that meet the requirements can make the organic label and marketing claim of "Contains Organic Ingredients." These products can bear the unique NSF/ANSI 305 "Contains Organic Ingredients" mark, as well as the QAI "Choose Quality" mark. The Organic Trade Association considers certification to this standard a best practice. It is required by some retailers for personal care products that do not meet the National Organic Program standard for food.
Kosher Certification
QAI, in partnership with STAR-KStar-K
Star-K Kosher Certification, also known as the Vaad Hakashrus of Baltimore, is a kashrus certifying agency based in Baltimore, Maryland under the administration of Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, with the involvement of many other rabbis . It is one of the largest kashrus certification agencies in North...
, provides a joint kosher and organic auditing program. Through rabbinical supervision products can be certified to both the strictest kosher certification requirements and to the USDA National Organic Program standards for organic certification.
International Organic Certification
As an accredited certifying agent under the USDA's National Organic Program, QAI is also accredited by the USDA for ISO 65 compliance, the Japan Ministry of Agriculture Forestry for JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) compliance, and Le Conseil des appellations reservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV).Food Safety
QAI is the only USDA-accredited organic certifying agency able to offer joint certification to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Safe Quality Food (SQF) and FSSC 22000 global food safety standards, which is required by many retailers under the Global Food Safety Initative (GFSIGFSI
GFSI is the acronym for Global Food Safety Initiative, a Belgian nonprofit foundation created in 2002.- History:Originally, GFSI was an organization of key players in the retail distribution industry. The organization has now expanded to the global food industry to harmonize the standards of...
).
Mission
QAI is committed to fostering increased consumer trust in the organic label by:- Certifying to the current federal standard under the National Organic Program.
- Verifying organic integrity to meet strict standards.
- Certifying organic growers, processors, traders and distributors in an efficient, timely and thorough manner.
- Providing a streamlined application process.
- Providing superior, professional assistance and conducting expeditious certification renewals.
- Remaining active in the organic industry on a national level to remain current with and responsive to any changes in the organic regulations.
- Promoting a healthier planet.
Environmental Policy
QAI achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems accreditation in June 2010.The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 standard provides guidance on how to manage the environmental aspects of an organization's activities, products and services more efficiently. ISO 14001 focuses on reducing the environmental footprint, pollution and waste produced by businesses, which is consistent with QAI's mission to help support organic agriculture and protect the environment.
ISO 14001 registration verifies that QAI has effective procedures in place to monitor and continuously improve its environmental performance. To obtain ISO 14001 registration, QAI reduced energy and raw material use; implemented a paperless documentation and billing management system; developed a recycling program for paper, plastic containers and bags, electronics, mercury-containing light bulbs and batteries; and instituted a composting program for coffee grounds, tea bags and fruit/vegetable food scraps.
Accreditations
QAI holds the following accreditations:- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- National Organic ProgramNational Organic ProgramIn the United States, the National Organic Program is the federal regulatory framework governing organic food. It is also the name of the organization in the Department of Agriculture responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 In...
(NOP) - ISO Guide 65
- International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS)
- European Recognition Programme (EU)
- ISO Guide 65
- Canadian Organic Regime (COR)
- Conseil des appellations reservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV, Canada)
- KEMA
- ISO 14001
- JAS through our Japan-based, MAFF accredited partner EcoCert
Partnerships
QAI works with other leading food safety and quality organizations. As a result, QAI is able to provide additional services:- NSF/ANSI 305 "Contains Organic Ingredients" Personal Care Products
- NaTrue Personal Care Certification
- British Retail ConsortiumBritish Retail ConsortiumThe British Retail Consortium is one of the leading trade associations in the United Kingdom. They represent all forms of retailers from small, independently owned stores, to big chain stores and department stores...
(BRC), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), FSSC 22000ISO 22000ISO 22000 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization dealing with food safety. This is a general derivative of ISO 9000.-Food safety:...
Certification - HACCP (Hazard analysis critical control point)
- Star-K Kosher Certification
- IBD Eco-Social Certification
- Dietary Supplement GMP and Certification
- Sustainability Claims Verification
- Non-GMO Project Certification
Community and Industry Advocacy
QAI sponsors the Earth Day Fair in San Diego to help educate the community on the benefits of "going organic." QAI is also active in the San Diego school district, serving on the Board of Directors for the Terra Nova Academy, a special educational curriculum engaging at-risk secondary education students in urban San Diego on careers in food and environmental science. NSF team members also judge science fairs and mentor teachers, helping the community cultivate a commitment to the environment at all ages and stages of life.QAI is also active in the Organic Trade Association
Organic Trade Association
The Organic Trade Association is a membership-based business association that focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's mission is to promote ethical consumerism, promoting and protecting the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the...
(OTA) to help protect and promote organic practices. QAI Senior Vice President Joe Smillie has served as OTA president and as a member of the board of directors. QAI President Kristen Holt currently serves on the board of directors as treasurer.
Past Controversy
In July 2008, it was reported that organic powdered ginger that had been certified by QAI, was found when tested to be contaminated with the banned pesticide Aldicarb. The organic ginger from which the QAI certified organic powdered ginger originated had been certified organic by two other USDA accredited certifying agents in China.http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0708/538424.html Under Chinese law, foreigners may not inspect Chinese farms.http://www.alternet.org/environment/94146/is_your_organic_food_really_organic/Also, under USDA National Organic Program rules QAI as an accredited certifying agent must accept the certification decisions of other accredited certifying agents. QAI was not the certifier in China. Frozen vegetables certified organic by QAI and originating in China that were also tested at the same time were found to be pesticide free. The contamination in the powdered ginger was not linked to the point in the product cycle at which it was certified by QAI, and the retailer of the product pulled the powdered ginger off their store shelves as soon as they became aware of the contamination.
See also
- Organic certificationOrganic certificationOrganic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, [food] processors, retailers and restaurants.Requirements vary...
- Organic FoodOrganic foodOrganic foods are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.For the...
- Organic FarmingOrganic farmingOrganic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm...
- Soil AssociationSoil AssociationThe Soil Association is a charity based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1946, it has over 27,000 members today. Its activities include campaign work on issues including opposition to intensive farming, support for local purchasing and public education on nutrition; as well the certification of...
(United Kingdom organic certification)
External links
- Homepage of Quality Assurance International
- USDA National Organic Program
- The Organic Food Database - Informational database of organic farms, restaurants and organic food products.
- The Organic Trade Association (OTA)