The National Organic Program’s (NOP) Organic Standards require that an organic handling operation take
measures to prevent the commingling of organic and nonorganic products and protect organic products from
contact with prohibited substances. (USDA organic regulations 7 CFR 205.272).
Cleaning and sanitizing is an important part of an organic system plan. The purpose of this document is to provide
a brief overview of the typical cleaning/sanitizing process in an organic handling operation and what cleaners and
sanitizers may be used. This document answers common questions about cleaning food contact surfaces and
equipment.