What are the laws governing the sale of products labeled as “organic”?

In Hawaii, organic products must be labeled according to certain standards set by law in order to be sold as organic. Organic labeling typically refers to the way food is grown, processed, and handled according to rules established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In order for a product to be labeled as organic, the agricultural ingredients in the product must be grown and processed using practices that preserve the environment, preserve natural resources, and minimize pollution. The USDA organic seal must appear on any product that has been certified as organic according to the USDA National Organic Program. In Hawaii, products labeled as organic must be certified by an accredited organic certifying agent. The certifying agent ensures that the product is grown and processed according to USDA organic standards. The agent will inspect the farm, verify that all required documentation is in place, and inspect the final product. The agent will also perform periodic audits to ensure compliance with USDA organic standards. Any product that is labeled as organic must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients, and any ingredients that are not organic must meet certain requirements set by the USDA National Organic Program. Additionally, products that are labeled as organic must use exclusively organic fertilizer and pest control methods. It is illegal in Hawaii to falsely advertise, or mislabel, any product, including organic products. Products that are labeled as organic but are not certified through an accredited organic certifying agent face penalties. Penalties may include fines and criminal prosecution from state or federal authorities. It is important to be aware of these laws to ensure that organic products are labeled correctly and are not mislabeled as non-organic.

What are the laws governing the sale of products labeled as “organic”?

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