What are the requirements for handlers and processors of organic food?
• Processors and handlers must complete an Organic System Plan. • Procedures must be in place that ensure that no commingling or misidentification occurs between organic food products and non-organic food products. • Prohibited substances used within the processing or handling facility must not come in contact or contaminate the organic food products. • A list of all organic ingredients used in organic products must be provided. All organic ingredients must be certified by NOP accredited certification agencies, and certificates must be on file. A Product Profile form is included in your application for this purpose. • Labels for all organic food products must be submitted and approved by HOFA for compliance to rule requirements prior to obtaining organic certification. • All organic food products must be processed with only approved minor ingredients and processing aids. • A lot identification system to allow for the tracking of organic products is required to complete an audit trail.
