PCO PCO Record Keeping & Traceability

Question 1

Under NOP regulations, how long must certified organic operators retain their records?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

The NOP requires all certified organic operations to maintain records for a minimum of 5 years.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of traceability records in a certified organic operation?

Accepted Answer

To verify the organic integrity of products from field to market

Answer

Traceability records allow auditors and inspectors to follow organic products through every step of production, handling, and sale.

Question 3

Which document serves as the foundation for an organic operation's record-keeping system?

Accepted Answer

The Organic System Plan (OSP)

Answer

The Organic System Plan outlines all practices, materials, and record-keeping requirements that the operation must follow and document.

Question 4

During an inspection, an operator cannot produce purchase receipts for organic seed. What should the inspector do?

Accepted Answer

Note the deficiency and refer it for certifier follow-up

Answer

Missing purchase records are a documentation deficiency that must be noted in the inspection report and resolved by the certifier.

Question 5

What must an organic handler's records demonstrate to satisfy NOP requirements?

Accepted Answer

A complete audit trail from receipt of organic inputs to final sale

Answer

Handlers must maintain an unbroken audit trail showing that organic products were kept separate and identifiable throughout handling and sale.

PCO - PCO Organic Contract Inspector Certified Practice Test