Quality Assurance International facts for kids

Quality Assurance International (QAI) is a company based in the United States. It helps make sure that products are truly "organic." The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) trusts QAI to check if farms and businesses follow organic rules.

QAI started in 1989 and is located in San Diego, California. It is one of the biggest companies that certifies products around the world. They work in places like the United States, Canada, Latin America, European Union, and Japan.

What is Organic Certification?

QAI checks if farms and food companies meet strict "organic" rules. This means products are grown or made without certain chemicals or methods. QAI gives a special label to products that pass these checks.

This certification helps farmers, food makers, stores, and even you. It lets you know that the organic food you buy is real.

Gluten-Free Certification

QAI also helps people find foods that are safe for them. They have a special program for "gluten-free" products. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some people cannot eat gluten because it makes them sick.

QAI works with experts to test products. They make sure these products have very little gluten, less than 10 parts per million. This helps prevent problems for people with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Certifying Personal Care Products

QAI also checks products you use on your body, like lotions or shampoos. If a product has at least 70% organic ingredients, it can get a special "Contains Organic Ingredients" label. This label helps you choose personal care items that are more natural.

Global Organic Standards

QAI is recognized by many countries for its organic checks. The USDA trusts them in the U.S. They also work with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture for their organic standards. This means QAI's certifications are accepted in many places around the world.

Making Food Safe

QAI helps make sure your food is safe to eat. They offer certifications for global food safety standards. These standards help prevent problems with food at every step, from the farm to your plate. Many big stores require these safety checks for the food they sell.

Caring for the Environment

QAI cares about the planet. In 2010, they earned a special award called ISO 14001. This award shows that QAI has good plans to protect the environment.

To get this award, QAI made changes to use less energy and materials. They started using less paper and recycling more. They also began composting things like coffee grounds and food scraps. This helps them reduce waste and be more eco-friendly.

Working with Others

QAI works with other groups to offer more services. These partnerships help them check many different kinds of products.

• They help certify personal care products that "Contain Organic Ingredients."
• They work with groups that check for food safety standards.
• They also help certify products that are kosher.
• QAI can also check if dietary supplements meet good manufacturing rules.

Helping the Organic Community

QAI is active in the Organic Trade Association. This group works to protect and promote organic farming and products. QAI leaders help guide this association. They work to make sure organic practices continue to grow and benefit everyone.

See also

• List of organic food topics
• Organic farming
• Organic food
• Soil Association