Tag: organic
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USDA Approves Continued Methionine Use in Organic Poultry Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has issued an interim final rule that extends until October 1, 2012, the allowance for methionine in organic poultry production. Effective October 1, 2010, the interim rule allows organic operations to use synthetic methionine at the following maximum limits per ton of poultry feed: (i) four…
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Study Claims Consumers Underestimate Calories of “Organic” Foods
A forthcoming Judgment and Decision Making study has reportedly suggested that consumers underestimate the calorie content of foods deemed “organic.” According to media reports, University of Michigan researchers found that students presented with identical food choices were more likely to describe the option labeled “organic” as having fewer calories than the “conventional” product. Participants also…
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Cornucopia Institute Urges Public Nomination Process for Organic Board
An organic industry watchdog has released a June 7, 2010, letter that urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the transparency of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) appointment process. “The Cornucopia Institute, and other organic advocates, have long been concerned that representatives from corporate agribusiness have obtained a disproportionate influence on rulemaking…
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Nebraska-Based Organics Certifier Suspended from Operating in China
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organics Program (NOP) has announced a settlement agreement with one of the nation’s leading organic certifiers, which had allegedly allowed inspections of Chinese organic food operations by auditors with a conflict of interest. Under the agreement, Nebraska-based Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) will be prohibited from certifying organic operations…
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California Class Charges Herb Grower with Fraud
A putative class action has reportedly been filed against California’s largest herb grower, shipper and marketer, alleging that the defendant “played California consumers for fools,” by selling as organic, and at higher prices, conventionally grown herbs. Quesada v. HerbThyme Farms, No. __ (Cal. Super. Ct., filed April 2010). According to the complaint, the company owns…
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USDA Organics Program Changes Course on DHA and ARA in Infant Formula
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Organic Program (NOP) has announced that its 2006 decision approving the fortification of organic infant formula and organic milk products with synthetic omega-3 fatty acid DHASCO (DHA) and omega-6 fatty acid ARASCO (ARA) resulted from an incorrect interpretation of nutritional guidelines and NOP board recommendations. Thus, DHA and…
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Organics Watchdog Calls on USDA, FTC to Stop Use of “Organic” in Company Names
The Cornucopia Institute has called for action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop what it alleges is the misleading practice of companies using the word “organic” in their names while selling foods not certified organic. In its April 22, 2010, letter to the USDA’s deputy administrator,…
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National Organic Standards Board Solicits Nominations to Fill Five Vacancies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has requested nominations for five upcoming vacancies. The 15-member board is charged with developing and recommending a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. NOSB is seeking two organic producers, two “consumer/public interest” individuals and a USDA-accredited certifying agent to serve five-year terms.…