Which agency certifies organic products?

• A. FDA
• B. USDA
• C. EPA
• D. NOAA

Answer: (B)

Organic certification is handled by the USDA through the National Organic Program. The USDA sets the organic standards and accredits third-party certifiers who assess farms and processing facilities to ensure they follow those standards. Producers seeking the organic label must have their practices and inputs inspected, and they undergo annual oversight to verify ongoing compliance. Only after meeting these requirements can a product bear the organic label. The FDA oversees general food safety and labeling but does not certify organic products; the EPA regulates pesticide use, not certification of organic status; and NOAA focuses on marine and fisheries issues, not organic certification. So the agency responsible for certifying organic products is USDA.