Purity of Federal 'Organic' Label Is Questioned
USDA Organic labeled food is a system used to help identify foods that are organic. Congress adopted the organics law in 2002 after farmers and consumers demanded uniform standards for produce, dairy and meat. The law banned synthetics, pesticides and genetic engineering from foods that would bear a federal organic label. It also required annual testing for pesticides. And it was aimed at preventing producers from falsely claiming their foods were organic. However, there is concern that the label may have become meaningless. ‘If we don't protect the brand, the organic label, the program is finished. It could disappear overnight’ Sen. Patrick Leahy stated. Here are some of the revelations from the Washington Post article:- ‘Organic’ beer has non-organic hops.
- ‘Organic’ baby food has synthetic fatty acids.
- ‘Organic’ milk can come from factory-like feed lots without grass.
- The law required annual testing for pesticides, but USDA hasn't enforced the requirement.
- The National Organic Standards Board has approved 245 non-organic substances for inclusion in "organic" labeled food
- ‘Organic’ mock duck has synthetic additives to make it stringy.
- Corporations Kellogg, Kraft, Coca-Cola, and Dole are big players in ‘organic’ food.
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Source: washingtonpost.com realliberalchristianchurch.org
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Jim McCoey | Jul 7, 2009 | Reply
Good article, and further, organizations such as “The Organic Trade Association” have been hijacked by major corporations. OTA is a major lobbying force in Washington DC and have influence on setting organic standards for the benefit of their members. Organic is like pregnancy; “you are or your not”.
sharla | Aug 14, 2009 | Reply
thanks for this article. i’ve been trying to eat mostly organic for about a month now. I’ve wondered at some of the ingredients I’ve seen, but figured, “well it’s organic, must be fine right?”
Don | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
I always questioned the authenticity of the USDA organic label. These so called “watch dog” agencies like the FDA, FCC, USDA are protecting industries that they are supposed to scrutinize and regulate. I suspect entire USDA organic labeling scheme was another marketing concept to enrich the prevailing giants of the food industry. Are there organic companies that we can trust? SO many of them are being co-opted by large food conglomerates like Heinz,General Mills and Coca Cola which naturally makes me worried that any organic standards that had been adhered to will now be compromised.
Yohanan | Jul 9, 2010 | Reply
Sadly, if we have to rely on our corrupt gov’t for our safety we are already doomed! Obama’s administration is heavily in bed with the deceitful Monsanto lobbyists (Sabillius). Question is, who can be trusted privately within the new commercialized “organic” industry to assure our products are indeed ORGANIC. Horizon products bear the mark of USDA Organic, their cows never roam freely, rarely if ever graze natural grasses, and are fed questionable grains which raise their acidic levels. The sorcery of this age is immense, only those most astute will not become victims.
Sally Brisbane | Oct 18, 2010 | Reply
We try to eat organic and like “Sharla” said we figure if it says organic it must be free of all that artificial stuff but maybe we are still eating synthetic products
Tandi Elaine | Apr 4, 2012 | Reply
I’m so sad.
Jessica Ives | Apr 5, 2012 | Reply
Grow your own!!! Thats the best organic food you will ever eat!
Tandi Elaine | Apr 5, 2012 | Reply
I would if I had the gardening space.. Lol. For now im just seed stockin
Tandi Elaine | Apr 6, 2012 | Reply
…but that is illegal too. Look it up if you don't believe me.
Michael Delorenzo | Jul 10, 2012 | Reply
The Government is turning their backs on us because the poison they are allowing in our foods is population control and big $$ to keep you sick for Pharmaceutical companies. The Gov. cannot possibly sustain the number of baby boomers that will be on Social Security. By lowering the life expectancy, the hit will not be as bad. Why do you think they are allowing companies like Monsanto to get away with what their doing. Pure Evil!
Kathryn R. Mancarella | Jul 13, 2012 | Reply
I have felt this way for a long time, anything USDA approved can't possibly be trusted. I try to buy organic as much as possible. Buying organic seems to be a privledge for the rich. I live a simple life and so my health for me and my family comes first. I am not rich! Not yet anyway :)