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SOE Article

November 6, 2023

SOE: Organic Fraud Prevention Under the Regulation: §205.201(a)(3)

The most significant change to USDA organic regulations in 20 years is being implemented March 19, 2024: Strengthening Organic Enforcement(SOE).
The rise of organic fraud prompted the new rule and it’s meant to strengthen the oversight and the enforcement of the production, handling and sale of organic products.
How will this affect you?
Under §205.201(a)(3) all operations must have an Organic Fraud Prevention plan in place to prevent the “Deceptive representation, sale, or labeling of nonorganic agricultural products or ingredients as “100 percent organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic (specified ingredients or food groups(s)”.
Organic Fraud Prevention Plan
The details within your plan can include, but are not limited to:
  • Identifying the control points in the supply chain
  • Assessing the weaknesses in the supply chain
  • Conducting vulnerability assessments
  • Enhancing your Traceability system (1 up, 1 down)
  • Labeling and Receiving Protocols
The Organic Fraud Prevention plan may be incorporated into an existing fraud prevention plan; however, please be aware that the plan must address organic produce specifically.
Failure to Comply
Failure to not meet these new requirements after March 19, 2024, may result in Non-Compliances or further adverse actions.
Primus Auditing Ops Organic Trainings:
Be aware that Primus Audting Ops offers training specific to Strengthening Organic Enforcement through our Training Center.
Our calender and Registration information can be found here.
Addtional Information
For Information on all SOE updates, click here.
If you have any questions regarding Strengthening Organic Enforcement, please do not hesitate to contact us at: QAOrganics@pao-usa.com or 805-623-5248.