The Sugarwise certification process is thorough and reliable. Sugarwise have developed the first set of detailed standards and guidelines for the certification of sugar claims that exists in the world.
Sugarwise certifies products meet these standards by:
1. Assessing the nutrition and ingredient information on the label
Sugarwise adheres to the WHO guidelines on free sugar content: “Free sugars include monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods and beverages by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, and sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.” Each ingredient in the nutritional label is thereby categorized as a free sugar (monosaccharide or disaccharide), free-sugar containing ingredient, or no free-sugar ingredient, according to WHO guidelines.
All chemical compound names present in the nutritional label are cross-referenced against Elsevier’s Reaxys chemical database for classification as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, or other. Each ingredient not identified as a free sugar is subsequently cross-referenced against an internal list of syrups, honeys, and juices and classified as a free-sugar containing ingredient or a no free-sugar ingredient.
2. Requesting the exact composition of the items in the ingredient list
After classification of ingredients has been performed, total free-sugar amount per serving is calculated from composition percentages (supplied by the manufacturer) of relevant ingredients and, if applicable, their free-sugar content.
3. Performing audits and requesting further information where relevant
If there is any concern that the information may not be accurate Sugarwise performs audits of the manufacturing facility and tests individual ingredients obtained from the manufacturer.
4. Performing specific and detailed laboratory tests to assess the products sugars profile
Sugarwise laboratory tests performed on products submitted for certification are both UKAS accredited tests and from UKAS accredited laboratories.
5. Applying the Sugarwise test as a additional assessment procedure
The Sugarwise test is an additional measure that is then applied, not to certify but to reject certification by showing that the information shown on the label is not accurate. The label information combined with any test results are used for certification.
The Sugarwise Test may be used to test the accuracy of label declarations about the sugar content of food products, and can be applied to assess both the free sugars and added sugars content of food and drink. It represents the only empirical, third party assessment procedure on free and added sugars in the world.
To Apply for Certification
Contact us with details of your products so we can assess their suitability. Alternatively you may submit your product here.
Sugarwise will issue an in principle decision, price confirmation and an agreement
Once the agreement is signed, send us your products in triplicate at: Sugarwise Testing, 5 Signet Court, Swann Road, Cambridge CB1 3HH
Once we have received payment and issued an official receipt of the samples, we will send the products to the laboratory for testing
The test results will return to and be reviewed by us, and we will finalise the certification
We will send you certificate along with the graphics of the logo and claim for use on packaging
When will I get my certificate?
Your Certification certificate will be delivered within 28 days. There is also an express option available at an additional fee which ensures your certificate will be delivered within 14 days.
National Food Standards Bodies and Labs
The Sugarwise test and assessment method may be used for forensic investigation to determine both free sugars content and added sugars content. If you are a National Food Standards body or Laboratory seeking an independent method for the assessment of free or added sugars or expert advice in this area please contact us here
You must be logged in to post a comment.