Holistic Corner

How to check an organic product certificate? A practical guide in 5 steps

An organic product certificate gives you a way to confirm that the product met the requirements of the organic system it belongs to, but reaching this information does not stop at reading the certificate name or the logo on the package. The accreditation details, the issuing body, the certificate number, and the official register where available are all elements that help form a clearer picture of the accreditation status.

In this guide we review how to verify an organic product certificate through a set of practical steps, starting with identifying the logo and the system it represents, then matching the certificate details with the product and the body responsible for it, and finally checking that it is valid and consulting the official sources.

How do you verify an organic product certificate?

If you want to confirm an organic product certificate, do not rely on the word organic or the logo alone. Instead, review the accreditation details and the body that issued it, then compare this information with the official source available within the relevant organic system.

This step matters because organic accreditation is tied to a specific system and standards, and to a body responsible for verifying that they are met. Therefore, reading the certificate details and understanding what they indicate helps you distinguish the actual certificate from information that may look official on the package but is not sufficient on its own to prove accreditation.

Checking the organic products logo

Start by identifying the organic logo and the system it represents. The USDA Organic seal is linked to the organic system of the United States Department of Agriculture, and its use is subject to specific requirements according to the product category.

As for the European Union organic logo, it may only be used for products that have obtained organic accreditation and met the organic production rules applicable in the European Union.

In the European Union, the code of the control authority must appear next to the logo, along with a statement indicating the origin of the agricultural ingredients used in the product.

Collecting the certificate number and the issuing body's details

After identifying the organic system the product relies on, look for the details that allow you to identify the certificate and the body responsible for it. The most important of these are the certificate number, if one exists, and the name of the accreditation or control body that issued it or supervises it. This information may appear on the package or in the product documents.

Having these details is important because they give you a way to move from a mere logo or claim of accreditation to a specific certificate and a body that you can consult to verify its information.

It is worth noting that the way certificates are numbered and the details that accompany them vary according to the organic system. In the USDA system, certificates are issued by certifying agents accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture for operations that meet the requirements of the organic system.

The United States Department of Agriculture explains that the organic operation certificate includes an NOP identification number consisting of 10 digits, along with other details related to the accredited operation. Therefore, if this number appears in the certificate details, it can be kept and used when verifying through the official sources available.

Matching the operator's name and the product

After finding the organic certificate details, compare the name of the company or the body responsible for the product with the name stated on the certificate. Then verify that the product you want to buy is linked to this body, if the product details are listed on the certificate.

The most important point is to make sure that the product itself is covered by the scope of the certificate. Obtaining organic certification by a company does not automatically mean that all the products it produces or sells are certified organic, as the certificate may be linked only to specific products or activities.

So, when matching, focus on the basic details, such as the name of the company or operator, the name or category of the product, and the scope of the certificate, and make sure they are consistent with the details of the product you want to verify.

Checking the certificate's validity and the official register

After matching the company and product details, move on to verifying the status of the certificate and its official source. The place of verification depends on the organic system whose name the certificate bears. Therefore, look for the register or official database of that system, or of the accreditation or control body linked to the certificate.

In the United States, the Organic INTEGRITY Database of the United States Department of Agriculture can be used to search for certified organic operations and the accreditation details associated with them.

In the European Union, you can refer to the control authority or body linked to the certificate to verify the accreditation details, within the control system applied in the country concerned.

In this way, you can move from merely having a certificate or logo on the product to verifying its details through an official source, and confirming that it is linked to the relevant body and product.

Dealing with mismatched details

If you notice a difference between the details on the product and the details in the certificate, such as the name of the company, the product, or the accreditation body, do not rely on the certificate directly before checking the reason for the difference.

The difference may result from the trade name differing from the legal name of the company, or from other details linked to the scope of the certificate. Therefore, when any details do not match, refer to the accreditation body that issued the certificate or to the official register of the relevant system to verify the information.

In the USDA system, if you find a difference or want to confirm the certificate details, you can contact the accreditation body that issued the certificate to the certified entity or company, as it holds the most detailed and up-to-date information about the certificate and can verify the accuracy of its details.

Quick list: what should be checked before buying organic products?

Holistic Corner: quality you can verify

At Holistic Corner, we do not merely describe our products as organic. We take care that quality is backed by trustworthy certificates and accreditations that reflect our commitment to the recognised standards of organic production and food safety. Because we believe trust begins with clear information, we place our certificates and accreditations before you so you can identify them and learn the bodies and standards associated with them.

You can also read more about the certificates and accreditations of Holistic Corner and learn more about the quality standards we uphold in our products.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I know that a product is organic?

To know that a product is organic, check for the presence of the approved organic logo, the details of the certifying body, and the certificate number or a way to verify it where available.

Does the presence of the organic logo mean that the product is certified?

If the logo is official and recognised within a specific organic system, it is linked to the accreditation and control requirements of that system. However, the mere presence of the word organic or a logo whose source is unclear is not enough on its own to prove accreditation. Therefore, it is preferable to verify the system, the issuing body, and the certificate details when needed.

What does organic product mean?

An organic product is produced according to the recognised organic agriculture or production standards, and is subject to specific requirements that vary according to the accreditation system and the type of product.