What Verification Means

Certification Standards

A rancher, farmer or food supplier can only use the WhereFoodComesFrom^® verification seal of approval if their marketing claims are verified through IMI Global, Inc. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Process Verified Program (PVP) auditing system.


This means that our dedicated team is your "watchdog." We make sure that whatever marketing claim a food supplier makes, is accurate. We don't make judgments about the claims - that's your job as a consumer - but, when a food supplier uses our seal, rest assured that we've done our homework to make sure they've done theirs.


A Little Background


In order for a food supplier to participate in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Process Verified Program (PVP), there must be a defined "standard" to make a specific food claim. These claims require third party verification or audits as to the authenticity of the claim by companies such as IMI Global, Inc.

So, in other words, if you're interested in buying beef from cattle that have never been given antibiotics, if the package of beef has our verification seal, it means we've independently verified that the rancher is doing what he says he's doing.  

As a third-party verification service provider, our job is to review each individual producer or food company's claim and ensure that 100 percent of the supply is managed to meet the specific marketing claim that has been recognized by the USDA.

USDA Verification Programs Quick Links

Process Verified Program

Quality System Assessment

ISO Guide 65 Program

Meeting International Verification Requirements

IMI Global, Inc. Third Party Verification Program Claims managed under its USDA Process Verified Program (PVP)