Harris Spice’s Organic Spices Process
Reliable, Certified Organic Spices for Foodservice, Retail, and Private Label
Harris Spice provides certified organic spices that meet USDA standards for quality, safety, and integrity. With a streamlined process, trusted supplier partnerships, and rigorous handling practices, we ensure every batch meets your brand’s needs and supports your organic claims.
What is organic?
An organic production system, managed under the Organic Foods Production Act and National Organic Program (NOP), uses cultural, biological, and mechanical practices to promote ecological balance, resource cycling, and biodiversity. (Source: USDA National Organic Program, 2001)
QAI, a USDA-accredited certifying agency, provides certification under these USDA organic standards. The USDA Organic Seal and QAI mark assure products meet strict federal regulations, with QAI ensuring compliance across the entire organic supply chain.
Why should customers choose Organic?
- Assures Integrity from Seed to Shelf: USDA standards mean no pesticides, no GMOs.
- Boosts Product Value: Organic products stand out and offer added consumer trust.
- Protects Consumers: Certified organic ensures no mislabeling or fraud.
For more on the benefits of organic certification and standards, visit Quality Assurance International’s guide to organic.
Why Choose Organic Spices from Harris Spice?
Organic spices aren’t just about farming practices; they’re about maintaining strict standards every step of the way. Here’s how we ensure you’re getting true organic quality:
1. Certified Sourcing from Trusted Suppliers
We partner only with USDA-certified organic exporters who meet stringent standards for safety and compliance. These suppliers undergo annual audits by Quality Assurance International (QAI), a USDA-accredited certifying agency. Approved to provide certification under USDA standards, QAI ensures every link in the organic chain adheres to national guidelines. The USDA Organic Seal and QAI mark signify that a product meets these rigorous federal standards. Our Harris Spice Vietnam facility also works directly with certified organic farmers for black pepper, allowing us to oversee quality from farm to final product.
2. Stringent Handling and Segregation
Organic integrity is protected through our advanced handling practices. Organic and conventional spices are processed in separate production runs, with thorough cleanings between each batch to prevent cross-contamination. Dedicated storage spaces further ensure organic spices remain pure and compliant. Learn more about our quality assurance practices to see how we maintain quality at every step.
3. Full Traceability and Documentation
Each batch of organic spice comes with complete documentation, from farm through to your finished product. This transparency provides a clear chain of custody, so your brand can confidently label products as organic. Discover our commitment to sustainability.
4. USDA-Compliant Packaging and Labeling
Harris Spice labels our products according to USDA organic classifications, ensuring that our spices meet the correct organic standards. We offer labeling options based on USDA guidelines.
Levels of Organic Certification
USDA organic certifications ensure transparency with multiple levels of compliance, including:
- 100% Organic: All ingredients and processing aids must be certified organic. These products may use the USDA Organic Seal, showing they are 100% organic.
- Organic: At least 95% of the ingredients must be certified organic, with up to 5% allowable as non-organic content. These products may also use the USDA Organic Seal.
- Made with Organic Ingredients: These products must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients. The remaining 30% of ingredients do not have to be organic but must meet specific standards. While the phrase "Made with Organic Ingredients" can be used on the label, these products cannot display the USDA Organic Seal.
- Specific Organic Ingredients: These products contain less than 70% certified organic ingredients. Organic ingredients can be listed individually in the ingredient list, but the product cannot claim "Made with Organic Ingredients" or display the USDA Organic Seal.
Besides our organic certifications we hold more certifications. Learn more about our certifications. Or get in touch with our team to see how Harris Spice can support your foodservice, retail, or private label needs in building a successful organic product line.