Australian Certified organic
Certification news
NOP labelling update
17/09/2013
by admin
The USDA organic regulations require that packaged products include a statement similar to: ‘certified organic by xxxx’ (name of certifying agent that certified the handler of the finished product). Specifically, this statement must be placed below the information identifying the handler or distributor of the product in all three organic labelling categories:
• Organic, as per Section 205.303(b)(2).
• 100 per cent organic, as per Section 205.303(b)(2).
• ‘Made with organic (specified ingredients or food group/s)’, as per Section 205.304(b)(2).
The ‘certified organic by xxxx’ statement plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of organic products, allowing consumers and the organic trade to verify the certification status of final product handlers. Its placement below the statement identifying the handler or distributor of the product helps it stand out from other label elements, but does not affect its utility.
All new NOP product labels have to include the statement ‘Certified organic by Australian Certified Organic’. This statement must be placed below the information identifying the handler or distributor of the product as required by the USDA organic regulations.
NOP is granting a transition period for the placement of the “certified organic by xxxx’ statement for existing product labels. After 1 January, 2016 packaged product labels must meet all USDA organic regulations, including the placement of the above statement.
If you have any questions, please contact Australian Certified Organic on 07 3350 5716 or?through our contact us form.
