Newsletters: November - December 2007

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Do Organic Standards Mean Anything?

Natural Times-November/December 2007

By Paul Rutkovsky

The pressure is on. Can we, the consumers, understand the complexities of the expanding organic food marketplace? Are the organic standards' guidelines being strictly enforced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)? In just the past two to three years, many small and very large businesses have formed to produce new "organic" food. Some of these foods are more natural than others. For instance, a more processed product might include several ingredients from various locations around the globe. However, to gain USDA organic certification, the product must be 95 percent organic. But you should be aware that putting organic on the box, bag or jar does not mean you will get a completely organic product. Produce, like an organic apple from another country, is usually not gassed with methyl bromide before crossing the border, but can you be completely sure of that? Conventional produce is gassed. Of course it is best to buy an apple grown in the US, and, when possible, in the region where you live.

It's best to be as informed as possible, especially with so many businesses coming on-board the "gravy train" of organic food and green/sustainable living. Billions of dollars are made every year in foods alone, and billions more in green construction. We must be as vigilant as possible in making sure that all organically labeled food products deliver what they advertise: that they are safe, pesticide-free and health-enhancing. Similarly, we should make certain that organic dairies treat livestock, specifically cows, humanely. It is now apparent that some "factory farms" have gained organic certification through third party organizations with the consent of the USDA.

Are organic standards gradually being weakened? The USDA has announced a controversial proposal, with absolutely no input from consumers, to allow 38 new non organic ingredients in products bearing the "USDA Organic" seal. Most of the ingredients are food colorings derived from plants that are supposedly not "commercially available" in organic form.

You should also know that unlike cows raised in factories, cows whose meat bears the organic seal must have access to open air. Some organic dairy farms allow their cows to graze freely in organic pasture when grasses are in season. This kind of farming is kind to animals, supportive of wildlife, healthy for rural communities, respectful of our air, water and soil, and healthy for children. Although, these practices are not being implemented by many of the major organic retailers and wholesalers, these groups continue to sell milk and dairy products labeled as "USDA Organic." Please go to www.organicconsumers.org and read more about organic standards and what you can do to make sure they are enforced.