LRQA Business Assurance Quote of the Day, August 12, 2009 FOOD SAFETY
13th August 2009 by Alex Briggs
Third-party recognition is important for many of USDA’s audit-based programs. We understand the value of this step as we continue working to strengthen the integrity of the NOP and to build the organic community’s trust in the program.
USDA deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan on the importance of independent, third-party auditing.
Her quote is in reference to the upcoming audit of the USA’s National Organic Program (NOP). The audit will assess the NOP’s more than 100 private certifiers to ensure that the USDA is adhering to strict international standards for accrediting them and overseeing their work. It will be carried out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is due to begin on October 1.