VICTORY! USDA YIELDS TO OCA'S DEMANDS
The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is proud to announce a major
victory this week. Following a June 14 lawsuit filed by the OCA and
Dr.Bronner's, a leading organic body care and hemp food company, and a
nationwide OCA grassroots pressure campaign, the USDA has agreed to
allow certification of qualifying organic body care products, pet
foods, and nutritional supplements. Since last summer, the USDA
National Organic Program has been telling certified organic companies
to remove the "USDA Organic" seal from all non-food products. Taking
advantage of the lack of regulatory oversight, some body care and
supplement companies have been misleading consumers with fraudulent
"organic" labeling claims on products with a host of synthetic
ingredients. Thanks to thousands of consumers signing our petition, and
over 400 businesses signing on to support our campaign, the USDA
surrendered to the OCA's demands on August 23, saying they will accept
certification and allow use of the "USDA Organic" seal on all organic
non-food products that meet the national standards. The "USDA Organic"
seal will help consumers find real organic products while substantially
boosting the market for organic farmers. This is a major victory for
consumers and the organic community!
http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/