How the Standard Evolves: Scientific Advisory Board, Annual Review and Change Log

Source: The WISEcode Standard v1.0, Section 9.

A living document

The Standard is maintained as a living document rather than a fixed rulebook, on the basis that ingredient science continues to move. Section 9 sets out how change happens.

The Scientific Advisory Board

A board of 25 scientists is engaged to provide ongoing evaluation of the protocol. Its role is to assess whether the weighting logic and the concern list still reflect the published evidence.

Annual review

The board convenes annually to review new data on ingredient safety and relevant published science on food and health from the preceding year. Changes to ingredient classifications flow from that review.

The transparency log

A public change log is maintained. Any change to an ingredient's classification or weighting, including adding an ingredient to the concern list or removing one, must be accompanied by a specific disclosure setting out the scientific reasoning and the relevant citations.

What this means for brands

A score is a point-in-time assessment against the version of the Standard in force. A reclassification can move a product's score without any change to its formulation. If you rely on a verification status commercially, track the change log alongside your own reformulation work.

Versioning

Each release of the Standard carries a version number and an issue date. When citing the methodology, cite the version.