Tag: organic
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Cornucopia Institute Lawsuit Challenges “Unqualified Individuals” on NOSB
Public-interest group Cornucopia Institute has filed a lawsuit against Tom Vilsack in his capacity as Secretary of Agriculture alleging that he and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) violated the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 by appointing “unqualified individuals” to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), which develops a list of synthetic substances allowed…
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USDA Drafts New Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has proposed amendments to organic livestock and poultry production requirements to clarify “how producers and handlers must treat their livestock and poultry to ensure their health and well-being throughout life.” Based on recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board, the draft rules also specify “which…
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NOP Releases National List Petition Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has published revised National List Petition Guidelines for requesting amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). According to NOP, the National List not only identifies “the synthetic substances that may be used and the non-synthetic (natural) substances that may not be…
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USDA Renews Approvals for Seven Substances Used in Organic Production and Handling
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service has completed the 2016 sunset process for five synthetic and two non-synthetic (natural) substances on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances that governs the use of synthetic and nonsynthetic substances in organic production, processing and handling. Per the National Organic Standards Board’s recommendations, AMS…
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Consumers Union Campaign Hopes to Elicit FDA Action on “Natural”
An online campaign launched by Consumers Union asks, “Have you ever quickly selected one box of crackers over another because the box said it was ‘natural’? Food companies know you probably have. They also know they can slap the word ‘natural’ on just about anything.” The advocacy group urges consumers to sign its petition urging…
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USDA Issues Final Guidance on Post-Harvest Handling of Organic Products
The National Organic Program has issued final guidance for accredited certifying agents and certified and exempt organic operations to clarify federal regulations about substances used in the post-harvest washing, packing and storage of organic products. The document specifically addresses: “(1) What substances may be used for post-harvest handling; (2) the difference between ‘post-harvest handling of…
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Organic Egg Production Target of Cornucopia Institute Analysis
A new Cornucopia Institute report examines four methods of organic egg production—pasture-based with mobile housing, “pasture raised” using fixed housing with access to adjacent pastures, fixed housing with minimum outdoor access and industrial scale. Titled “Scrambled Eggs: Separating Factory Farm Egg Production from Authentic Organic Agriculture,” the analysis also discusses animal welfare standards and evaluates…
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California Supreme Court Allows Challenge to “Organic” Herbs
The California Supreme Court has held that a consumer may sue Herb Thyme Farms, Inc. alleging its herbs are improperly labeled as “organic,” dismissing the farm’s contention that the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 blocks such claims. Quesada v. Herb Thyme Farms, Inc., No. S216305 (Cal., order entered December 3, 2015). Details about previous…