The organic system recognizes food safety as a top priority.
Organic farms and processing facilities must follow all applicable local, state, and federal requirements for food safety.
Organic requirements mandate:
-
All organic farmers and processors to be registered with USDA
-
Third-party certification
-
Announced and unannounced on-site inspections
-
Audit trails to ensure traceability from farm to your family
-
Rigorous review of materials, processes and methods used in organic production and processing
-
Production and processing without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and chemical fertilizers and sewage sludge.
To further support and improve food safety, the organic system requires:
-
Adherence to strict rules around compost creation and application
-
Maintenance or improvement of soil and water quality
-
The use of appropriate food safety practices, such as pasteurization and equipment sanitation
-
Livestock must be given access to the outdoors and other healthy living conditions
-
Livestock may not be fed animal by-products
Read on to learn more about how you and the organic system can work together to ensure the safety of your food.
FAQ: Organic and Food Safety
Get the Facts on E.coli
