Posted in News and Issues
Many wonder what 'it' is that makes something organic or all natural? One would assume it is organic from start to finish; from planting to harvesting. But such is not the case with many things you buy that are labeled organic.
Christine Miller found this interesting piece at Consumer Reports:
Consumer spending on organic has grown so much that we've attracted big players who want to bend the rules so that they can brand their products as organic without incurring the expenses involved in truly living up to organic standards," says Ronnie Cummins, national director of the Organic Consumers Association, an advocacy group based in Finland, Minn.
Lobbying by large food companies to weaken organic rules started when the U.S. Department of Agriculture fully implemented organic labeling standards in October 2002. Food producers immediately fought the new rules. A
That bizarre change in standards was repealed in April 2003 after consumers and organic producers protested, but the fight to maintain the integrity of organic labeling continues. In October 2005, Congress weakened the organic-labeling law despite protests from more than 325,000 consumers and 250 organic-food companies. The law overturns a recent court ruling that barred the use of synthetic ingredients in "organic" foods. It mostly affects processed products such as canned soups and frozen pizza."
That is why it is important to understand labels, ask questions, buy from companies you know are completely organic, and to support standardized rules for organic, all natural, and natural. The OTA, or Organic Trade Association, is just one of a handful of organizations that are helping to raise the bar, instead of lowering it. Another great one is the Organic Consumers Association. A super site to learn about eco labeling is Eco
Carla Lynne Klimuk
Senior Editor
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