The Standards Interpretation Committee
In order to support operators implementing the Canadian Organic Standard and to resolve conflicting interpretations between certification bodies and certified operators, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has established in 2009 the Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC).
C.5.5 If an interpretation of an applicable standard is required by the Certification Body a certificate holder at any point during certification activities, it can be sought from the Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC).
(Source: Canada Organic Regime operating manual)
C.5.11 The CB shall adhere to the interpretations of the Canadian Organic Standards (CAN/CGSB 32.310, CAN/CGSB 32.311, and CAN/CGSB 32.312) provided by the SIC and considered official by the CFIA, to achieve uniform and consistent application of the rules to all operators through various CBs.
(Source: Canada Organic Regime operating manual)
The interpretations from the Standards Interpretation Committee are presented as Final Questions & Answers, categorized under sections corresponding to the numbering of the Canadian Organic Standards.
Final Questions & Answers - Canadian Organic Standards
- 1. Scope
- 3. Terms and definitions
- 4. Organic plan
- 5. Crop production
- 6. Livestock production
- 7. Specific production requirements
- 8. Maintaining organic integrity during cleaning, preparation and transportation
- 9. Organic product composition
- Permitted substances lists – CAN/CGSB-32.311
- Permitted substances lists for crop production
- Permitted substances lists for livestock production
- Permitted substances lists for preparation
- Cleaners, disinfectants and sanitizers
Click on a relevant title above to open that page and then type Ctrl + F to search for your keyword(s).
Questions & Answers Under Comment Period
New Public Comment Period – closed
All comments regarding these answers should be sent to
Reports from previous public comment periods
| Comment Period (Click on dates for PDF) | Report Date (Year - Month) |
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2023-01- Posted on March 22, 2023 |
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2022-07- Posted on December 19, 2022 |
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2022-06- Posted on December 19, 2022 |
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2022-05 -October 11, 2022 |
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2022-04- August 8, 2022 |
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2022-03 - May 2022 |
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2022-02 |
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2022-01 |
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2021-05 |
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2021-04 |
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2021-03 |
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2021-02 |
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2021-01 |
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2020-04 |
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2020-03 |
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2020-02 |
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2020-01 |
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2019-06 |
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2019-05 |
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2019-04 |
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2019-03 |
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2019-02 |
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2019-01 |
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2018-04 |
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2018-03 |
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2018-02 |
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2018-01 |
Addressing a question to the SIC
Is there a question that you want to address to the SIC?
Questions about the meaning of a particular point in the Canadian Organic Standard may originate from any source and are directed to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) at cfia.opr-rpb.acia@canada.ca
There is no specific form on which stakeholders should present their questions; but the SIC is suggesting the following guidelines:
- If you are a certified operator, you should first direct your question to your certifying body. As a professional delivering inspection services, the CB is your first reference.
- If you could not get a satisfying answer from your CB, you can address your question to the CFIA, at cfia.opr-rpb.acia@canada.ca , that will request guidance of the SIC if needed.
- Please address your question as clearly as possible, providing sufficient background to have the SIC understanding your issue and issuing the correct answer.
- If your question is not clear enough, the CFIA officer may contact you to get additional information.
- The CFIA does not divulgate your identity when requesting guidance of the SIC.
So, feel free to send your questions remembering to:
- Ask first to your certifying body
- Issue a clear question with supporting background
- Send your question at cfia.opr-rpb.acia@canada.ca
SIC Terms of Reference
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in partnership with the Organic Federation of Canada, has developed the Organic Standards Interpretation Committee (SIC). The objective of the Committee is to provide to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) interpretive guidance on issues related to the National Standards for Organic Agriculture (CAN/CGSB 32.310 and CAN/CGSB 32.311).
Click here to read the SIC Terms of Reference.
Proposed answers to questions, raised by organic stakeholders, regarding the National Standards for Organic Agriculture are posted on the website of OFC.
The elected members of the Standards Interpretation Committee are:
Allison Grant
Organic crop, livestock and processor inspector. Organic gardener, advocate and mentor
Karla Sieck
Certification specialist, IOAS Training in Farm and Livestock
Étienne Nadeau
Bachelor's degree in agronomy, organic inspector, input specialist and believer in integrity.
Angela Rouillard
PhD in Animal Sciences, livestock research, extension, and policy specialist. Organic inspector.
Allison Squires
PhD in Toxicology, organic producer. Active contributor to 2020 Standards Review.
Rob Wallbridge
CCA-ON. Organic Specialist, Thompsons Limited. Ex-vegetable and dairy producer, ex-inspector
Gavin Wright
Small-scale organic farmer; crop, livestock, process inspector; sustainable agriculture geek
Health Care Products and Production Aids
Permitted Substances List of the Canadian Standards on Organic Production Systems – CAN/CGSB 32.311 – permit the use of Health Care Products and Production Aids in Table 5.3 under the various categories – “Anti-inflammatories, Biologics (including vaccines), Homeopathic and Biotherapies, Parasiticides and Anti-microbials, Plant oils”.
Click on Health Care Products and Production Aids to get a complete listing of substances commonly used in organic livestock husbandry, along with some specific recommendations of acceptable practices.
