NOP Proposes Periodic Residue Testing
The National Organic Program (NOP) is seeking comments to a proposed rule requiring that certifying agents conduct periodic residue testing of organically produced agricultural products.
National Organic Program Proposes Periodic Residue Testing; Invites Comments to Proposed Rule
AMS No. 079-11
WASHINGTON,
April 29, 2011—The National Organic Program (NOP) is seeking comments
to a proposed rule requiring that certifying agents conduct periodic
residue testing of organically produced agricultural products.
The rule, published today in the Federal Register
(www.regulations.gov, docket number AMS-NOP-10-0102; NOP-10-10),
proposes amending the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) organic
regulations to make clear that accredited certifying agents must conduct
periodic residue testing of agricultural products represented as “100
percent organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic (specified
ingredients or food group(s)).” Provisions in the proposed rule would
require that certifying agents conduct periodic residue testing for a
minimum of five percent of the operations they certify annually. This
would be in addition to pre-harvest or post-harvest testing they conduct
when there is reason to suspect contamination with a prohibited
substance. Further, applicable certifying agents would bear the
additional costs for residue testing.
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