The level of fraud in food and products labeled as “organic” will hopefully begin to be reduced thanks to a recent move by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the first time in more than 30 years, the USDA is increasing the regulation of organic products, including production, handling and sales, and putting “layers of protection” around the agency’s organic seal.
The new rule standardizes training and operations requirements for organic businesses and personnel and will mean more on-site inspections. The rule also requires certification for organic imports and businesses will need to provide certification showing key parts of their supply chain are organic. The rule goes into effect on March 20, 2023. Businesses that are impacted will have one year to comply with the changes.
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“The Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule is the biggest update to the organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers, and those transitioning to organic production. This success is another demonstration that USDA fully stands behind the organic brand.”
-Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (source)
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The Organic Farmers Association is pleased with the USDA’s plans to conduct more rigorous oversight…
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“Stopping fraud in the organic market and enforcing USDA National Organic Program regulations has long been a top priority for organic farmers. This long awaited new rule is something that we have advocated for for years…When cheaply produced products are fraudulently sold as organic, it undermines consumer confidence in the organic label and harms organic farmers who are doing things the right way. This rule is a crucial step to protect organic producers and consumers who pay a premium for organic products.”
-Lily Hawkins, Policy Director, Organic Farmer’s Association (source)
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See our previous articles on fake organic food:
Fake Organic Pet Food: Are You Getting Duped?
More Fake Organic Food: Another Investigative Report and Consumer Alert
Fake Olive Oil Filled with Chemicals
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