Spot testing is required by a 1990 Law in the United States.
This 1990 Law established the basis for the National USA organic
standards- but the regulators in charge never made sure the testing
was being done. The Obama administration has just approved this
week- to spot test organic products that are labelled as
such-confirming if they are truly free of fertilizers and
pesticides. This will for sure allow consumers to feel more
confident towards organic certifications and it will also provide
red flags on so many brands out there that have no certification-
yet they are being sold as organic. Non- announced inspections will
be applied to products on farms and manufacturing plants. Grocery
stores-will have inspectors verifying if the correct labelling is
being used on their shelf products. This is an important
achievement for the organic industry. Companies such as Latin
Organics that have based their corporate values on organic farming
are celebrating. Our efforts have not been in vain. It is critical
that governments all around the world start to apply this type of
regulations. Colombia has a National Organic logo in place, but
further testing procedures should be applied besides the organic
audits that take place.