Clean Label Project (CLP) Certification

Pathogens, Contaminants & What Happens in a Product Recall

Harmful germs—also called pathogens—can contaminate food and make people sick. They can come from bacteria, parasites, viruses, etc.  Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, botulism, and norovirus are just some examples of pathogens commonly associated with outbreaks and serious illness.

 

In the United States, the FDA and USDA-FSIS regulate pathogen-related food safety. Food manufacturers also rely on independent labs, audits, certification bodies, and consultants. Together, these agencies help protect public health by ensuring steps are taken to prevent outbreaks caused by harmful germs.

 

But pathogens aren’t the only concern. Food can contain harmful levels of heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and other chemicals that are not always regulated or routinely tested. The Clean Label Project (CLP) addresses this gap by evaluating products for these additional contaminants.

 

To earn and maintain CLP certification, a product must meet—or exceed—FDA pathogen food safety standards and remain in good standing. If a CLP-certified product is recalled in the event of a pathogen outbreak, its certification is suspended and the product is removed from our website.