The National Organic Program has taken enforcement action against two uncertified operations that produced fraudulent certificates. These certificates were produced by Ningxia Ruby Goji Co., Ltd. and TIRYAKI AGRO GIDA SAN.VE TIC. A.S., based in China and Turkey respectively.     

These certificates falsely represent agricultural products as certified organic under the NOP regulations, violating the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

The vigilance of the organic community is a vital force in ensuring organic integrity. Organic handlers should continue to review certificates carefully, validate with their certifying agents where needed, and send any suspicious certificates to the NOP Compliance and Enforcement team.

Any use of these certificates or other fraudulent documents to market, label, or sell non-organic agricultural products as organic can result in a civil penalty of up to $11,000 per violation. Persons with information regarding the production or use of these or other fraudulent NOP certificates are asked to send information to the NOP Compliance & Enforcement Division.

View Fraudulent Certificates 

Contact NOP Compliance and Enforcement 

The NOP published a blog article, "What the USDA organic label means." This is the third installment of the Organic 101 series that explores different aspects of the USDA organic regulations.

Organic 101: What the USDA organic label means  

The Compliance & Enforcement Division of the National Organic Program ensures global compliance with the Organic Foods Production Act and the USDA organic regulations. The division processes and investigates complaints alleging violations and also conducts proactive compliance and outreach activities. Its overarching function is to enforce USDA organic standards for agricultural production, handling, and labeling. Learn more 

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.