offers joint certification to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Safe Quality Food (SQF) and FSSC 22000 global food safety standards, which is required by many retailers under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Environmental policy QAI achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems accreditation in June 2010. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 standard provides guidance on how to manage the environmental aspects of an organization's activities, products and services more efficiently. ISO 14001 focuses on reducing the environmental footprint, pollution and waste produced by businesses, which is consistent with QAI's mission to help support organic agriculture and protect the environment. ISO 14001 registration verifies that QAI has effective procedures in place to monitor and continuously improve its environmental performance. To obtain ISO 14001 registration, QAI reduced energy and raw material use; implemented a paperless documentation and billing management system; developed a recycling program for paper, plastic containers and bags, electronics, mercury-containing light bulbs and batteries; and instituted a composting program for coffee grounds, tea bags and fruit/vegetable food scraps. Accreditations QAI holds the following accreditations: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) ISO Guide 65 International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS) European Recognition Programme (EU) ISO Guide 65 Canadian Organic Regime (COR) Conseil des appellations reservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV, Canada) KEMA ISO 14001 JAS through our Japan-based, MAFF accredited partner EcoCert Partnerships QAI works with other leading food safety and quality organizations. As a result, QAI is able to provide additional services: NSF/ANSI 305 "Contains Organic Ingredients" Personal Care Products NaTrue Personal Care Certification British Retail Consortium (BRC), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), FSSC 22000 Certification HACCP (Hazard analysis critical control point) Star-K Kosher Certification IBD Eco-Social Certification Dietary Supplement GMP and Certification Sustainability Claims Verification Non-GMO Project Certification Community and industry advocacy QAI sponsors the Earth Day Fair in San Diego to help educate the community on the benefits of "going organic". QAI is also active in the San Diego school district, serving on the board of directors for the Terra Nova Academy, a special educational curriculum engaging at-risk secondary education students in urban San Diego on careers in food and environmental science. NSF team members also judge science fairs and mentor teachers, helping the community cultivate a commitment to the environment at all ages and stages of life. QAI is also active in the Organic Trade Association (OTA) to help protect and promote organic