CA SB1117

Authorizes announced and unannounced spot inspections and sample collection for substance testing on products labeled as organic, with no charge to inspectors for samples taken.

Requires registration and fees for persons who take title of organic products outside state health jurisdiction and provide handling services; establishes tiered registration fee schedule based on gross sales ranging from $25 to $3,000 annually.

Expands unlawful conduct to include selling, advertising, labeling, or representing any product as organic without proper registration, and increases civil penalties for knowingly selling products as organic in violation to match federal standards (up to amounts specified in federal regulations).

Modifies appeal procedures to allow appeals under federal organic regulations and for registration suspension; establishes that adverse actions become final if appeals are not timely filed within 30 days of notification.

Requires registrants to notify the secretary of registration changes within 30 days and establishes investigation timelines of 5 working days for fresh food complaints and 7 working days for other products, with findings reported within 120 days.