The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) established the national standard for the term "organic" as it as defined in the box above. The OFPA authorized the USDA to create the National Organic Program (NOP) that oversees the standards and provide guidance for the production of organic products.
The program focuses on products obtaining organic certification status. This means that the manufacturer has the ability to trace back the organic ingredients of the product from farm to fork. This is done through a document updated at least annually called a “Plan Summary,” which helps ensure that each participant in the production of an organic product has endeavored to follow the rules of the National Organic Program. In fact it is a federal offense, punishable by a fine, to mislabel any product as "organic."
For years, Fuerst Ittleman has worked with clients to create organic compliance programs for their companies. We educate our clients in which methods, materials and ingredients can and cannot be used in organic products. Our team assists in the drafting of effective standard operating procedures on how to document these organic methods, materials and ingredients so that there is appropriate accountability for the audit trail, as required by the regulations. FI attorneys are also experienced in preparing documentation in support of a new organic product application and reviewing packaging claims for submission to the organic certifying bodies in the US and Canada. FI has also routinely represented clients at onsite annual certification audits and responds to audit deficiencies when necessary to ensure continuity of certification.
For more information for how we can assist with your Organic Compliance Program, please contact us at contact@fuerstlaw.com or (305) 350-5690.
