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

The state of Pennsylvania has laid out laws governing the sale of products labeled as “organic.” When labeling products as organic, the grower, processor, or retailer must be certified with the Pennsylvania Certified Organic program, a USDA-accredited certifier. Additionally, those selling organic products must be in compliance with the Pennsylvania Organic Food and Feed Act, which includes provisions on the labeling, production, and handling of organic food and feed. This act also requires that all organic products be labeled with a unique product identifier to distinguish them from non-organic products. Organic products must also comply with other state laws and regulations regarding labeling, production, and handling such as the labeling of genetically modified foods and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It is prohibited to label any product as organic if it contains any ingredients or additives that don’t comply with the Organic Food and Feed Act. Organic foods and other products must meet certain food safety and quality standards to be eligible for an organic label. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) inspects, audits, and certifies organic operations to ensure these standards are met. The PDA also has the authority to take action against those who violate these regulations, including issuing fines and orders for the discontinuation of activities. These rules are in place to protect consumers from being misled by inaccurate organic product labeling and to promote the integrity of Pennsylvania’s organic industry.

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

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