A Vade Mecum on Official Investigation on Organic Products. Good Implementation Practices for Articles 28 and 29 of Regularion (EU) 2018/848

Summary in the original language of the document

The issue of traces of non-authorized substances in organic products, mainly pesticides, was one of the hot topics during the development of the new EU Organic Regulation, and the debate continues. If such substances are found, an official investigation must be conducted to determine the source and cause of contamination. A product can only be sold as organic if no major or critical non-compliances are found. The products concerned cannot be sold as organic until the investigation is concluded.
The issue has generated numerous reactions and discussions. Organic consumers need to be protected against fraud. On the other hand, pesticides from conventional agriculture are everywhere, sometimes it is difficult to determine their origin. Systematic investigations might be burdensome, expensive and lead to food waste.
To support effective and efficient official investigations, a "Vade mecum on official investigation in organic products" has just been published, guiding investigation methods and techniques.