Help Center
Organic Certification and Food Safety
Summary: Organic certification is not a food safety certification. While some food safety practices are built into the organic certification process, your organic certificate does not replace the need for food safety compliance or certification. You must still meet local, state, federal, and international food safety laws, and may need a separate food safety audit or certification.
Does Oregon Tilth organic certification include food safety?
No. Organic certification through Oregon Tilth (OTCO) does not include or replace food safety certification. While food safety principles are often part of your Organic System Plan (OSP)—such as recordkeeping, sanitation, and contamination prevention—this certification is not recognized as meeting food safety requirements for domestic or international markets.
Do I need separate food safety certification?
Yes, if your operation or buyer requires it. Many markets, retailers, or buyers may request a food safety certification like:
- GlobalG.A.P.
- PrimusGFS
- SQF (Safe Quality Food)
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
If you need a food safety certification, you must work with an accredited food safety certifier. Oregon Tilth does not offer food safety certification at this time.
Tip: When satisfying compliance for multiple certifications — organic, food safety, kosher, allergen separation, etc. — consider creating one “master” commingling and contamination prevention plan that covers them all.
What food safety standards apply to organic operations?
Certified organic operations are expected to comply with:
- Local, state, and federal food safety laws
- USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards
- Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the United States (if applicable)
If you’re exporting products, you must also meet the importing country’s food safety rules.
How can I manage multiple certification requirements?
If you are managing organic, food safety, allergen, kosher, or other certifications, it’s helpful to create a single contamination and commingling prevention plan. A unified plan reduces duplicated efforts and helps ensure compliance across all audits.
Best practice: Build one “master” plan that addresses:
- Separation of organic and non-organic products
- Cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Allergen and GMO control
- Cross-contamination and commingling risks
- Traceability and recall procedures
This can help streamline audits and demonstrate consistency in your facility’s procedures.
Summary: Organic vs. Food Safety Certification
| Topic | Organic Certification | Food Safety Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Covers sanitation practices | Yes (limited to organic scope) | Yes (comprehensive food safety) |
| Meets FSMA requirements | Not automatically | Yes (if using FSMA-compliant certs) |
| Required by law | Yes (for organic claims) | Yes (depends on product/location) |
| Provided by OTCO | Yes | No |
Technical Details
Organic certification under the USDA NOP requires contamination prevention and sanitation measures that may align with, but not replace, food safety practices. FSMA compliance (e.g., Preventive Controls Rule, Produce Safety Rule) includes additional requirements such as water testing, employee hygiene, facility risk assessments, and validated control points. These are not evaluated under an organic inspection unless relevant to organic integrity.