PCO Prohibited Substances & Allowed Inputs 3

Question 1

An organic system plan (OSP) lists an input product by brand name. During inspection, the inspector should verify this by:

Accepted Answer

Cross-referencing the product's ingredient list against the National List and confirming the product is approved by the certifier

Answer

Inspectors must verify that each input's ingredients comply with the National List and that the certifier has reviewed and approved the specific product in the OSP.

Question 2

Under 7 CFR 205.672, when may a certified operation use a prohibited substance to treat an organic crop or field?

Accepted Answer

Never — use of a prohibited substance on a certified field always results in loss of certification for that land for at least 3 years

Answer

There is no provision under NOP that allows prohibited substances on certified organic land without consequence; such use triggers non-compliance and restarts the 3-year transition.

Question 3

An inspector is reviewing an organic handling operation that processes both organic and conventional products on the same equipment. What is the MOST critical input-related control to verify?

Accepted Answer

Effective equipment cleaning procedures that prevent organic products from contacting prohibited substances used in conventional processing

Answer

The key concern in split operations is preventing co-mingling and contamination from prohibited substances used in conventional processing through validated cleaning procedures.

Question 4

Which of the following pest management inputs is PROHIBITED in organic crop production regardless of application method?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides

Answer

Synthetic pyrethroids are prohibited in organic production; only botanical pyrethrins (derived from chrysanthemum flowers) are allowed under 7 CFR 205.601.

Question 5

An organic produce operator uses hydrogen peroxide to sanitize irrigation water. Which condition makes this use compliant under NOP?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide is on the National List as an allowed substance for this purpose under 7 CFR 205.601

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide is listed as an allowed synthetic in 7 CFR 205.601 for disinfecting and sanitizing food-contact surfaces and equipment, including irrigation systems.

PCO - PCO Organic Contract Inspector Certified Practice Test

PCO - PCO Organic Contract Inspector Certified Practice Test

PCO Prohibited Substances & Allowed Inputs 3