Organic Consumers - USDA will allow 38 new non-organic...

[katty]

continue: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_5750.cfm

ALERT - USDA Announcement: Foods Carrying the USDA '95% Organic' Seal Are Now Allowed to Contain Factory Farmed Intestines, PCBs, and Mercury
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Organic Consumers Association, 6/22/2007

Straight to the Source

CONTACT: Ronnie Cummins 218-226-4164 June 22, 2007

Despite receiving more than ten thousand comments from consumers and family farmers opposing various aspects of a late May 2007 proposal, the USDA has approved a rule that will allow 38 new non-organic ingredients to be allowed in products bearing the "USDA Organic" seal. But the agency says this may just be interim approval, and has offered to extend the public comment period another 60 days (the original public comment period was only 7 days). Take action and send a letter to the USDA here.

The Organic Consumers Association filed a petition during the USDA's short seven-day comment period on the issue outlining various problems with some of the proposed ingredients (read full petition here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_5225.cfm). The USDA is required to post all such incoming comments online, and 99% of the comments currently posted there show the public opposes the passage of this proposal.

The USDA's passage of this proposal has resulted in the following:

-Anheuser Busch will be allowed to sell its "Organic Wild Hops Beer" without using any organic hops at all.

-Sausages, brats, and breakfast links labeled as "USDA Organic" are now allowed to contain intestines from factory farmed animals raised on chemically grown feed, synthetic hormones, and antibiotics.

[mainegreen]

1. Organic is dead.

Find alternative standards, and research your companies before you buy their food.
Or if you can, join a CSA.

[Morgana LaFey]

2. Find your local CSA and a whole lot more HERE --

http://www.localharvest.org /

You'll be glad you did. Most food-growing folks who participate in this type of program are very pro-community-building. It's SO worthwhile. DO IT!

[katty]

4. yes, I get most of my food from local growers

[youngdem]

3. Organic is a dead word now.

I shop at a local farmer's house. I go to his house, fill a box for $10, give him $15-20 because it's worth that, and drive home. Stuff is beautiful, I pick it, and he owns no chemicals - you can stop by anytime and look around.

I wish everyone had this - and everyone could...I would bet 200 people get their produce from this guy and his plot isn't more than 3 acres.

[marmar]

5. How long before gas stations start serving organic goods?

Like every other federal agency, the Bush administration has turned the USDA into a "cash-and-carry" for corporate interests.

[RogueBandit]

6. Where do I comment?

http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/oca/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=11401

scroll to the bottom of the page. Make sure Java Scripts is turned on or you won't see it.

Why do people think Java Scripts is necessary to create a web page? The most insecure crap. I don't mind turning it on occassionally to view a site but when you want people to take action make it simple html, please!