How does NOP Compliance respond to complaints?
USDA will review all complaints that it receives in accordance with its procedures for reviewing and investigating alleged violations of the NOP. USDA will, as appropriate, refer complaints alleging violations of the NOP/SOP to the applicable SOP?s governing State official, who may, in turn, refer the complaint to the applicable certifying agent. In States without an approved SOP, USDA will refer complaints to the applicable certifying agent. USDA will, as appropriate, investigate allegations of violations by certifying agents and SOP?s. When appropriate, USDA will refer complaints alleging violations by certifying agents to the applicable SOP?s governing State official. USDA will, as appropriate, investigate allegations of violations of the Act by noncertified operations operating in States where there is no approved SOP.
