Organic Complaints

The TDA Organic Certification Program is committed to maintaining the integrity of the organic claim. TDA has established a complaint procedure to help ensure that complaints from applicants for certification, certified operations and the public are addressed in a timely manner. When you report a suspected violation, be prepared to provide as much detailed information as possible (Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?).  Please include documentation when available. Complete and accurate information helps ensure that the issue can be successfully reviewed or investigated.

How to File an Organic Complaint
TDA will investigate complaints against TDA- certified organic operations. In order to determine the certifier of the operation, visit the Organic Integrity Database (OID), and search for the operation. If the operation is not certified by TDA, contact the certifier listed directly, or the National Organic Program.  

Complaint against a TDA-certified organic operation
To file a complaint against a TDA-certified organic operation, please contact our program directly at (512) 936-4178 or email Organic@TexasAgriculture.gov.  TDA will initiate an investigation when notified either by phone or in writing. Please include the name and address where the alleged violation occurred along with any other pertinent information regarding the complaint. 

Results of The Inspection

Complainants may request to be notified of the results of the inspection when they initially file the complaint. The results will be sent to the complainant via email once the complaint inspection has been completed, reviewed, and approved.

Copies of the Inspection Report

The inspection report is subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act. A copy of the report can be provided upon written request. Requests for reports be sent to: PubInfo@TexasAgriculture.gov.

Enforcement Actions

Depending on the result of the investigation, TDA may find that no noncompliance could be documented or is unable to determine the responsible party and close the case without further action. In the event that a noncompliance can be documented, TDA will follow the Adverse Action process set forth by USDA AMS, and can be found here; or refer the case to another appropriate state or federal agency, county attorney, district attorney or Texas attorney general for further action. Monetary penalties collected by the state are deposited to the State's General Revenue Fund and not for the use of TDA.

Complaint against operations not certified by TDA
Complaints against operations not certified by TDA should be forwarded directly to the compliance office at the National Organic Program. To file a complaint directly with the National Organic Program, please contact them with as much information as possible regarding the complaint. Click here for information on filing a complaint with the National Organic Program.

File a complaint by:

NOP Online Complaint Portal

Email: NOPCompliance@usda.gov
Phone: 202-720-3252
Fax: 202-205-7808