It’s been bubbling around the web for awhile, but today I read a report in the Washington Post, Purity of Federal 'Organic' Label Is Questioned that goes into detail about, how “business as usual” has impacted the certified organic label – you know, the one on products for which we get to pay exceptional amounts of money.Three years ago, U.S. Department of Agriculture employees determined that synthetic additives in organic baby formula violated federal standards and should be banned from a product carrying the federal organic label. Today the same additives, purported to boost brainpower and vision, can be found in 90 percent of organic baby formula.
The article goes on to discuss how a lobbying effort by baby formula manufacturers caused a USDA program manager to over rule her staff and allow certain non organic ingredients.As a marketer, one has worked in the food industry, I certainly understand that there are non-organic stabilizing ingredients that need to be added to processed food products to extend shelf life. But, then, they should not carry a label that consumers interpret as “all organic”.It really annoys me.
No, I’m not annoyed at the food manufacturers. They have a product to sell and restrictions on what they can actually do and stay in business. I’m annoyed with the USDA and by extension, the last administration which hampered their ability to do their job. (OK – let’s just say it, they are under- regulated, understaffed and under-directed.)
If I’m going to pay extra; I’d really like to know what I am getting. Now “certified organic” joins “natural” as an ambiguous label that means we get to pay more for…well…umm…what? (BTW- Natural Means Nothing.)
Would it be so hard to put in a graduated scale that consumers could understand, with certified organic at the top and various grades underneath?
This month's Green Moms Carnival will be hosted by Alline over at Eco-Village Musings. Pop over there on Monday, July 13 to find out why the green mom-o-sphere thinks "Food Matters."
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10 comments:
I agree. I don't buy organic because I want people to see me buying it I buy organic because I want good, wholesome, healthy food for my family. Why should I spend the extra money, from our already tight budget, if I can't be sure what I am getting?
You and I must have been reading this article at the same time, MC! I read it and posted as well...I've heard similar rumors for a long time..this gives it more credence. I still think organic in general is better than the alternative, but what is that really saying? Neither system is where it should be.
In fact, a graduated scale of organic products already exists.Products labeled “100% Organic” and carrying the “USDA Organic” seal be just that – they contain all organically produced ingredients. Products that are made from at least 95% organic ingredients, and have remaining ingredients that are approved for use in organic products may also carry the “USDA Organic” seal. Products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients may label those on the ingredient listing and identify themselves as "made with organic," while products containing less than 70% organic ingredients may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on their main panel.
The Organic Trade Association and its members believe in, support, and advocate for the integrity of the organic label and strict enforcement of federal organic standards because this is fundamental to living up to the contract with consumers who choose or who are considering choosing organic products.
I remember reading somewhere that certain products are impossible to make without some use of non-organic components. I do believe that those particular foods should qualify under the "organic" label. If there's no way to make a 100% organic ____, isn't it still better to have as much of it come from organic sources as is possible?
This is one reason why I'm working to avoid processed food. I am far from perfect, for sure. But if you buy staple ingredients and make it yourself you have a better picture of what's really in the food you're eating.
But I do agree, as well, that more clear regulations and standards are necessary. The constant dilution of 'organic' is really quite upsetting, it's been almost totally co-opted. How are we supposed to know what we're really buying when the labels mean nothing?
I totally agree that we need full disclosure of all ingredients so we can make up our own minds. I also want full disclosure of the chemicals in plastic packaging.
I agree, we deserve to know what we are eating!!
I appreciate your perspective as a food marketer (I used to be one too!). They are going to do what they need to do to make a buck...period. I like your idea of a graduated scale...or at least some other standards that we can rely on. We need it.
After reading the Washington Post article, people are going to question whether organic is what it purports to be. One step backwards.
I guess I am going to look for the 100% organic and the seal.
Sometimes it's safer just to go right to the farm... :)
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