USDA Says Bush-Era Federal Organic Food Overseer Failed To Enforce Standards

March 22, 2010: 03:04 AM EST

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Inspector General has severely criticized the National Organic Program (NOP), a unit of the Agricultural Marketing Service that ensures accurate labeling of organic food, for failure to enforce standards under the Bush administration. Between 2006 and 2008 the NOP did not respond quickly or effectively to investigations into five certified organic operations, including one that had marketed non-organic mint under USDA’s organic label for two years. In addition, the NOP allowed California to create a state organic program that, as of last November, failed to meet national requirements. The USDA stressed that NOP needed to improve administration, bolster control over certifying agents, better enforce regulations, resolve complaints quickly, and make sure organic products meet standards.

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USDA Says Bush-Era Federal Organic Food Overseer Failed To Enforce Standards

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