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Using the USDA Organic Seal
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Published September 29, 2026
The Guide
This guide is designed to support day-to-day decision-making, inspections, and compliance for organic handlers and processors.
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Resources
Explore reference materials to support organic handling, processing, and record-keeping.
Browse All Resources- 1 Foundations of Organic Handling
- 2 Certification
- 3 Inspection
- 4 Facility Pest Control & Sanitation
- 5 Handling, Storage, & Transport
- 6 Allowed Ingredients & Processing Aids
- 7 Supplier Management
- 8 Product Composition & Formulation
- 9 Labeling & Packaging
- 10 Importing Organic Products
- 11 Fraud Prevention
- 12 Recordkeeping
- 13 Video Profiles & General Topics
1
Foundations of Organic Handling
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1.1
Welcome to Organic Handling
1.2
Video: Words of Wisdom on Going Organic
1.3
Who Governs Organic
1.4
Why Get Certified in Organic Handling?
1.5
Who is Required to be Certified as an Organic Handler?
1.6
Video: A Newcomer’s Guide to Organic Handling
1.7
A Newcomer’s Guide to Organic Regulations for Handlers
1.8
Video: The “Why” Behind the Rules
1.9
Glossary of Organic Certification Terms for Handlers
5
Handling, Storage, & Transport
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5.1
Contamination, Commingling, and Organic Control Points
5.2
Protecting Organic Products During Transport, Receiving, and Shipping
5.3
Protecting Organic Products During Storage
5.4
Protecting Organic Products During Processing and Work-in-Progress
5.5
Preventing Contamination and Commingling in Mixed-Use Facilities
5.6
Video: Managing Split Operations
6
Allowed Ingredients & Processing Aids
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6.1
Allowed Ingredients and Processing Aids in Organic Products
6.2
Navigating the National List for Allowed Ingredients and Processing Aids
6.3
Verifying Compliant Ingredients and Processing Aids
6.4
Commercial Availability Requirement for Nonorganic Ingredients and Processing Aids
6.5
Documenting Nonorganic Ingredient Use
6.6
Video: Sourcing Ingredients
12
Recordkeeping
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12.1
Recordkeeping Requirements for Organic Handlers
12.2
Video: Recordkeeping for Organic Handling
12.3
Designing a Recordkeeping System for Your Operation
12.4
Building and Maintaining an Organic Audit Trail
12.5
The Traceback and Mass-Balance Audits
12.6
The Traceback Audit
12.7
The Mass-Balance Audit
12.8
Putting It All Together with the Organic System Plan (OSP)
13
Video Profiles & General Topics
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13.1
Building a Culture of Organic Integrity
13.2
Advice from Experienced Organic Handlers
13.3
Video Profile: Scratch & Peck Feeds
13.4
Video Profile: Nana Joes Granola
13.5
Video Profile: Organically Grown Company
13.6
Video Profile: Cedar Grove Cheese
13.7
Video Profile: Janie’s Mill
13.8
Video Profile: Giant Jones
13.9
Video Profile: Sailer’s Food Market & Meat Processing