Is there a governing body that makes sure that organic food labeling is accurate!
Question:
Is there a governing body that makes sure that organic food labeling is accurate?
Who are they and what do they do to ensure the information is accurate?
Website address maybe?
Thanks
Answers:
What is organic certification? The certified organic label is the consumer’s guarantee the product has been produced according to the USDA's specific national standards for farmers and food handling organizations.
All these standards must be met for certification:
* A public or private certifying organization conducts annual inspections of farms and food handlers and periodic testing of soil and water to verify that a farm meets or exceeds defined standards.
* Organic farmers are required to keep detailed records of purchases and practices, which inspection agencies examine systematically. All farmers and handlers are also required to maintain written organic management plans.
* Most farms are required to farm organically for at least three years before the food they produce can be labeled certified organic. An exception to this rule are farms that have not been growing organic products for the past three years, but that have not used unapproved chemicals during that time either. All farms, however, must have been under the supervision of a certification agency for the past 12 months before producing food that can be labeled certified organic.
* No prohibited substances may be applied to the land during that period.
* Not more than 5% of any organic-labeled processed food may contain non-organic ingredients (excluding water and salt).
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