Beyond knowing what the NOP does, retailers:

• can be penalized up to $11,000 for knowingly selling as organic a product that is not produced and handled in accordance with the NOP regulations.

• do not have to be certified, nor do restaurants, but the NOP does allow retailers to become certified if they choose.

• can sell imported organic agricultural products in the U.S. if they are certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent (agents are in several foreign countries). Imported products that are labeled organic must meet NOP standards.