v 1.0

CFS-100:2025

 Issued by: Clone-Free Inc.

 Effective Date: January 2025

 Status: Public Standard

 Version: 1.0

0. Purpose and Scope

This standard establishes the requirements for certification of livestock, animal products, and plant materials verified as Clone-Free.

Its purpose is to ensure that all certified products originate from non-cloned animals or plants and that no cloning technologies were used in their reproduction, propagation, or development.

This standard applies to:

Farms

Breeding operations

Growers

Feed producers

Food processors

Packaging/branding companies

This standard covers:

Genetic origin

Reproductive methods

Documentation

Traceability

Audits

Label use

0.1 Voluntary Certification Statement

Clone-Free Certification is a voluntary third-party certification program.

Certification is not required by law and is offered by Clone-Free Inc. as a private, independent certification system.

Participation is voluntary for:

Farms

Producers

Manufacturers

Food processors

Retailers

Brands

Certified operations agree to comply with the requirements of this standard and with all applicable federal and provincial food laws.

1. Definitions

1.1 Clone

A genetically identical copy of an organism produced through asexual reproduction, including but not limited to:

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

Embryo splitting

Artificial twinning

Cell-line–based replication

1.2 Clone-Free

An organism whose genetic lineage originates exclusively from natural reproductive processes, such as:

Sexual reproduction

Natural pollination

Traditional crossbreeding

Non-GMO seed propagation

1.3 Certified Operation

Any farm, facility, or brand that meets all requirements of this standard and is approved by Clone-Free Inc.

1.4 Certification Body

Clone-Free Inc., responsible for audits, standards, enforcement, and certification decisions.

2. Certification Requirements

2.1 Prohibited Technologies

To qualify for Clone-Free Certification, the following are strictly prohibited:

Cloning technologies (SCNT, embryo splitting, artificial twinning)

Genetic replication of somatic cells

GMO gene-editing technologies involving cloning vectors

Use of cloned donor cells

Use of cloned embryos

Operations must show zero involvement with any part of the cloning process.

2.2 Allowed Reproductive Methods

The following are acceptable under the Clone-Free Standard:

Natural mating

Natural pollination

Artificial insemination using non-cloned donors

Traditional crossbreeding

Non-GMO seed propagation

Indigenous and heritage breeding methods

2.3 Documentation Requirements

Certified operators must maintain records demonstrating:

Parentage information (sire/dam)

Source of breeding stock or seed

Written verification from all suppliers

Records of all reproductive technologies used

Invoices and supply-chain documentation

Records must be kept for a minimum of 7 years.

3. Traceability Requirements

Certified operations must have systems that allow traceability:

3.1 Animal Traceability

Parentage tracking

Birth records

Movement records

Identification tags or digital records

3.2 Plant Traceability

Seed source documentation

Lot numbers

Field/plot identification

Harvest and storage records

3.3 Product Traceability

Every product using the Clone-Free Certification mark must have:

A batch or lot number

A traceable link to certified sources

Documentation available for audit on request

4. Audit and Verification

4.1 Annual Audits

Certified operations must undergo annual audits consisting of:

Documentation review

On-site inspection

Verification of reproductive methods

Traceability testing

4.2 Unannounced Audits

Clone-Free Inc. reserves the right to conduct unannounced audits if:

Complaints are received

Inconsistencies are detected

Random checks are scheduled

4.3 DNA or Laboratory Testing

Clone-Free Inc. may require:

DNA lineage testing

Verification of genetic diversity

Proof of non-clonal origin

Testing may be carried out by accredited third-party laboratories.

5. Certification Decisions

5.1 Approval

Certification shall be granted when:

All requirements are met

All tests, documents, and audits are passed

No inconsistencies are found

5.2 Suspension

Certification may be suspended if:

Records are missing

Audits uncover risk or uncertainty

Traceability cannot be verified

5.3 Revocation

Certification will be revoked if:

Cloned animals or plants were knowingly used

Fraudulent documents are submitted

The operator refuses audit access

Re-application requires a minimum 12-month waiting period.

6. Label Use Requirements

Companies may use the Clone-Free Certification Mark™ only if:

They hold valid certification

All certified products follow the standard

The mark is used only for approved products

The certification body authorizes each use

Any misleading or unauthorized use will result in suspension or legal action.

7. Producer Obligations

Certified operations must:

Allow full audit access

Provide truthful documentation

Notify Clone-Free Inc. of changes in breeding sources

Maintain clean and accurate records

Follow all CFIA labeling rules

8. Certification Body Responsibilities (Clone-Free Inc.)

Clone-Free Inc. shall:

Maintain independence and impartiality

Update standards periodically

Provide transparent audit procedures

Maintain records of certification decisions

Follow the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)

9. Indigenous Knowledge and Ethical Farming (Optional Clause)

Operations may integrate:

 -Indigenous regenerative agriculture

 -Ethical breeding practices

 -Cultural sustainability principles

10. Version Control

Clone-Free Standard v1.0 is the first issue of this certification standard.

 Updates, amendments, and revisions will be published as:

v1.1 (minor updates)

v2.0 (major updates)

11. Alignment With CFIA Requirements

Clone-Free Inc. acknowledges that:

The CFIA does not approve, endorse, or accredit private certification programs.

The Clone-Free Certification Standard must comply with all applicable Canadian food laws, including:

Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA)

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)

Food and Drugs Act (FDA)

Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act

11.1 Truthful and Non-Misleading Claims

All Clone-Free claims must be truthful, verifiable, and not misleading, in accordance with the SFCA/SFCR.

11.2 Scientific Basis

The certification claim must be backed by:

Documented scientific definitions

Verifiable reproductive methods

Traceability evidence

Laboratory or genetic lineage documentation when required

11.3 Traceability Requirements

Certified operations must maintain traceability systems that meet or exceed SFCR Part 5 – Traceability Requirements.

Minimum retention: 7 years, unless federal law requires longer.

11.4 Record Availability for Review

Records must be made available to:

Clone-Free Inc. auditors

CFIA officials if federal authorities request verification during enforcement activities

11.5 Impartiality & Transparency

Certification decisions must be:

Independent

Free from financial conflict

Based solely on audit evidence

11.6 Complaints & Appeals Mechanism

Clone-Free Inc. must maintain:

A complaints process

An appeals process

A method for reporting misuse of the label

These processes must be documented and accessible to operators and the public.

11.7 Laboratory Requirements

When laboratory analysis is used, Clone-Free Inc. shall use:

Accredited laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025 preferred)

CFIA-recognized methods where applicable

DNA lineage testing methods capable of verifying non-clonal origin

11.8 Use of the Certification Mark

The Clone-Free Certification Mark may only be used:

With written authorization

With valid certification

For approved products

In a manner compliant with labelling laws (SFCR Part 4 & Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act)