§6505 Compliance Requirements

Summary

After October 1, 1993, a product can only be sold or called "organic" if it was made and handled under the rules in this chapter. Sellers may not use labels or marketing that suggest a product is organic unless they follow those rules. If a label meets the rules, it may say the product meets USDA organic standards and may use the USDA organic seal. Imported products can be labeled organic if the Secretary of Agriculture finds their certification is at least equal to these rules. There are some exceptions. Foods that are at least 50 percent organic by weight (not counting water and salt) may, if the Secretary agrees after consulting the National Organic Standards Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, use "organic" on the main package only to describe the organic ingredients. Foods with less than 50 percent organic ingredients may, with the same approval, use "organic" on the ingredient list to name those organic parts. The rule does not apply to people who sell $5,000 or less in agricultural products each year.