Natural and organic meat producer Applegate says it will remove genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from its entire supply chain — from animal feed to finished product — and gain third party certification.

“It's very significant that today Applegate is promising to go even further on our quest for transparency and traceability in removing GMOs from our entire supply chain, including the most problematic part – animal feed,” says Steve Lykken, Applegate president. “By pursuing third-party certification on GMO avoidance for all of our products, we're adding another layer of credibility and providing consumers the information they need to confidently make the best choices for themselves and their families.”

The company, which became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods last year, recently launched its first-ever non-GMO project verified products, Applegate Organics Chicken Nuggets and Applegate Organics Gluten-free Chicken Nuggets.