4.17.113    COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS

(1) Any person with knowledge of a violation of this chapter may file a complaint with the department. Complaints should be in writing and signed and should provide the details known to the person filing the complaint. The lack of a written or signed complaint will not preclude the department from investigating.

(2) The department will evaluate each complaint and will investigate complaints involving operations certified by the department. Complaints involving operations not certified by the department will be referred to the manager of the National Organic Program.

(3) The department may investigate certified or noncertified organic operations, whether certified by the department or not, upon determining that a need exists to protect public health and safety or preserve evidence that would justify an immediate investigation.

History: 80-11-601, MCA; IMP, 80-11-601, MCA; NEW, 2003 MAR p. 2848, Eff. 12/25/03.