PCO Prohibited Substances & Allowed Inputs 2

Question 1

An operator claims that a soil amendment they used is 'natural' and therefore allowed. As an inspector, what is the CORRECT basis for evaluating this claim?

Accepted Answer

Determine if the material is listed or classified correctly under the NOP National List and the operator's Organic System Plan

Answer

Whether a substance is 'natural' is insufficient — the inspector must evaluate it against the National List classifications and ensure it is documented in the OSP.

Question 2

Which regulation section specifically lists synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production?

Accepted Answer

7 CFR 205.601

Answer

7 CFR 205.601 enumerates the synthetic substances that are permitted in organic crop production, often with specific annotations and conditions.

Question 3

During an inspection, an inspector discovers that sewage sludge was applied to a field three years before the operator sought organic certification. What is the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Sewage sludge is a prohibited substance and its prior use must be evaluated for the 3-year transition period compliance

Answer

Sewage sludge is explicitly prohibited under NOP (7 CFR 205.203), and any application must be evaluated against the required 3-year transition period from last prohibited substance use.

Question 4

Which of the following substances is allowed as a livestock feed supplement under the NOP National List?

Accepted Answer

Trace minerals (including copper sulfate) at nutritionally recommended levels

Answer

Trace minerals at nutritionally recommended levels are permitted under 7 CFR 205.603 for organic livestock, while hormones, urea, and subtherapeutic antibiotics are all prohibited.

Question 5

An organic operator wants to use a chlorine-based sanitizer on food-contact surfaces in a handling operation. Under NOP regulations, this is permissible only if:

Accepted Answer

The residual chlorine in rinse water does not exceed maximum EPA safe water standards

Answer

Under 7 CFR 205.605, chlorine-based sanitizers are allowed in organic handling provided that residual chlorine levels in rinse water meet EPA maximum residue standards.

PCO - PCO Organic Contract Inspector Certified Practice Test

PCO - PCO Organic Contract Inspector Certified Practice Test

PCO Prohibited Substances & Allowed Inputs 2