NEW USDA RULE BOOSTS "ORGANIC" FOOD OVERSIGHT, TARGETS FRAUD

New USDA rule boosts “organic” food oversight, targets fraud

NEW YORK, N.Y. (AP) — The Agriculture Department issued new requirements for foods labeled organic, a move aimed at cracking down on fraud and boosting oversight. The rule strengthens enforcement of the USDA’s strict definitions of organic, which requires these foods to be made with natural substances and biologically based farming methods. The rule requires USDA’s National Organic Program certification for all imported organic food, increases certifications of more businesses in the supply chain and boosts authority for inspections, record-keeping, traceability and fraud prevention practices. The new rule, announced Thursday, takes effect in March and companies will have a year to comply with the requirements.

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