The organic industry wants more certification for organic products. The Organic Trade Association told public officials during a Thursday roundtable consumers need to trust organic marketing of products beyond food. That includes cosmetics, household cleaners and other non-food products claiming to be organic. The Organic Trade Association presented its case during the roundtable to the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. OTA says the roundtable was organized to determine if the FTC needs to issue further guidance to makers of non-food products that use the organic claim or term, but do not use the USDA Organic seal or make any reference to organic certification. A survey by OTA found consumers who are buying organic feel that both organic food products and non-food products claiming to be organic should be regulated in the same manner. The National Organic Program regulates strict organic standards for agricultural products. However, the program’s enforcement authority does not extend to certain types of non-food or non-agricultural products.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.