A letter to customers regarding the New Organic Laws

Dear Customer:
As some of you know, the National Organic Program was implemented on October 21, 2002. This law makes the rules which define "Organic" and "Organically Grown" the same in all States and identifies what producers and handlers must do to comply with the law.

The retail store is the direct link to the consuming public. You have an important role in insuring that the integrity of the organic product is not compromised. The main way you can do that is with proper handling and labeling. This letter will describe proper practices for handling organic food products. Retail stores are not required to be certified by the new law, but are required to comply with the commingling, contamination and labeling requirements. A violation may result in civil penalties.

Retail stores that sell organic products are not required to be certified; however, delis or in-store bakeries that label a product made in the store as "Organic" must be certified. Some retailers who do not have deli's or in-store bakeries have asked to be certified to ensure their customers that they are handling organic products properly. For more information on retail certification contact the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) at 360-902-7805, or refer to WSDA on-line at:

http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Organic/default.htm

PURCHASING:
According to Washington State law, retail stores must buy from a certified distributor or grower. If you buy direct from a grower you need to keep a current copy of their certificate on file. If you buy from a distributor or wholesaler you must keep a copy of their certificate on file also. Charlie's Produce is certified by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. WSDA has inspected our warehouses, reviewed our records and determined we comply with the National Organic Standards.

RECEIVING:
Be sure the organic produce you receive is properly labeled. If it is a full box, it should identify who the grower is, where they're located, what's in the box, the quantity and it must be marked "organic" showing who the certifying agency is. If it is a partial box, it must say "organic", who repacked it and it must not be mixed with any conventionally grown product. Be sure the invoice states that the product is "organic" and that it matches what you receive.

If you receive organic and conventional product on the same pallet, the Organic must be on top. Wet product such as broccoli or leaf lettuce should never be underneath conventional product.

If you receive Organic product from a source that uses an outside truck, you have to be sure that no contaminates were used that could have co-mingled with the organic product, such as harsh cleaners or fumigants.

The receiving and storage areas must be free from prohibited pest control products and cleaners that could contaminate the organic products.

Colored-coded receiving stickers can help identify organic produce.

STORAGE:
Organic produce must be stored either separate from conventional product, or on top - never underneath. Organic and conventional product should not touch.

Organic produce should be clearly labeled so that staff can easily identify it. Designating a specific area or areas for organic could be helpful.

The organic storage area should be clearly labeled. Organic product should be kept in the original box, or the re-packed box properly labeled

Organic product cannot be stored in boxes that have previously contained conventionally grown products, unless the containers have been thoroughly cleaned. Any boxes used for products that may have been fumigated, such as conventionally-grown bananas or grapes, should not be used.

Organic products should be stored in areas free from prohibited cleaners and pest control methods. Acceptable pest controls are non-poison traps.

PREP AREAS:
Cutting boards, tubs, sinks must. always be washed and rinsed before preparing Organic produce. Be sure all cutting boards are washed and thoroughly dried before using them to cut organic produce.

Cleansers and sanitizers must not contaminate the organic food products.

DISPLAY:
Organic produce should be clearly labeled and distinguishable from conventionally grown produce. Many stores label the location where it is grown.

Organic produce should be displayed separately from conventionally grown produce.

The new law requires there be no co-mingling. That means that organic and non-organic produce cannot be touching. A barrier, such as plastic divider can be used to keep them separate, but they cannot be mixed in the same display.

On a two or three-tiered shelf, the organic products should be on the top shelf, not below the conventional products. Anywhere produce is misted, the organic should be on the top shelf.

Shelf liners, baskets, and other containers used for conventional produce, must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before using them for organic produce.

Proper labeling ensures that the product is checked out correctly at the cash register.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING:
Training all employees how to comply with the Organic law is vital to the success of your program. Charlie's Produce will offer employee-training options.