Aims :

This policy establishes minimum requirements for usage of organic.

Background :

This document provides an overview of labelling requirements for organic products, addressing especially the ―India Organic‖ , ―USDA Organic‖ and ―Biologique Canada‖ logo.

Normative framework :

NPOP:

Section 3, 3.5

1. When full NPOP standards are fulfilled, the products shall be sold as ―produce of organic agriculture‖ or a similar description.
2. The name and address of the operator or Company legally responsible for the production or processing of the products shall be mentioned on the label.
3. Form 11, 12 & 13 have to be completed to grand license to use ―India Organic‖ certification mark.

NOP:

Defined in §205.311

1. USDA Organic seal can only be used to identify raw and processed products that are certified as organically produced.
2. USDA Organic seal is not mandatory and voluntary on “100% Organic” and “Organic” products.
3. It cannot be used for products labeled as ―made with organic ingredients‖ (70 to 95 percent organic ingredients) or on products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients.
4. Certifier and other private logos are allowed, but must not be more prominent than USD logo.
5. The certifier name must be mentioned. It must be placed below the producer or handler name, using the words “Certified organic by…”

More information on certification mark usage can be gathered by downloading http://www.apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/organic/index.htmand http//www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.

Canada Organic Standards

Products that make an “organic” claim must be certified by a Certification Body that has been accredited, based upon the recommendation of a CFIA designated Conformity Verification Body (CB).

• Only products with organic content that is greater than or equal to 95% may be labelled as: “Organic” or bear the “organic” logo. These products must be certified and the name of the Certification Body must appear on the label.
• Multi-ingredient products with 70-95% organic content may have the declaration: “contains x% organic ingredients”. These products may not use the organic logo and/or the claim “Organic”. These products must be certified and the name of the Certification Body must appear on the label.
• Multi-ingredient products with less than 70% “organic” content may only contain organic claims in the product’s ingredient list. These products do not require certification and may not use the “organic” logo. However, the organic ingredients contained within these products must be certified.
• The claim, “Made with organic x” is not permitted as it does not indicate the actual organic content of the product. Products with an organic content of 70% to less than 95% may bear the claim “x% organic ingredients”.
• The “100% organic” This claim is not permitted in Canada. All products with an organic content of 95% or greater are considered organic and may be labelled with the word organic.
• The statement “Certified by” immediately followed by the name of the certification body is acceptable as it denotes who has certified the product.

Core Labelling Requirements:

• Common Name
• Net Quantity
• Name & Address
• List of Ingredients
• Allergens
• Date Markings
• Nutrition Labelling
• Bilingual
• Legibility and Location

Terms :

Labelling: shall convey clear and accurate information on the organic status of the product.

Policy :

As a minimum, ADITI will implement the above-mentioned requirement: The label must allow to identify the entity responsible for the product (producer or trader)

1. Certifier code number
2. Refer to “organic” It is highly recommended to identify the product as “organic” e.g. organic cashew kernels or 100% organic cashew kernels (NOP). The operator has to submit the drafted label (on product or off product/publications) for ADITI‘s review/approval before printing. Product specification form (4.5.12) has to be submitted for each multiple ingredients product. Any change in the percentage or ingredient usage has to be communicated to ADITI.

Access to this policy :

• This policy is available to all interested public
• It must be handed out to all ADITI certification and inspection personnel
• It must be handed out to all post-harvest handlers interested in certification