USDA Sets 5 Percent Rule for Organic Residue Testing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expanded the amount of residue testing required for organic products. Based on a Nov. 9 Federal Register notice, the Agricultural Marketing Service that administers the organic program will require certifying agents to annually conduct testing for non-organic residues on 5 percent of the operations they certify. The new regulation will ensure the quality and discourage the mislabeling of agricultural products handled under the National Organic Program. The requirement will take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Read the Federal Register notice.