§6511 Additional Guidelines

Summary

The Secretary, the relevant state official, and the certifying agent must use residue testing to check foods and other products sold or labeled as organic. They can also require preharvest tissue tests for crops grown on soil that might be contaminated. If tests find any pesticides, other non-organic residues, or banned natural substances, those officials must investigate. They may require the grower or handler to show that no prohibited substance was used. If the investigation shows the substance was applied on purpose, or the levels are higher than the "unavoidable residual environmental contamination" limits set by the Secretary or the state official with environmental agencies, the product cannot be sold or labeled as organic.