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LETTERS IN THE EDITOR'S MAILBAG.

Article Excerpt
Byline: The Register-Guard

Organic label standards strict

In response to the Nov. 11 editorial `A meaningless label,' let's be clear about U.S. organic standards. No synthetic ingredients are allowed in organic production without the approval of the National Organic Standards Board, a citizens advisory council to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As with organic standards elsewhere, U.S. organic standards always have allowed a limited list of stringently reviewed synthetic materials in organic agriculture and post-harvest handling and processing. All 38 items allowed for processing - including baking powder, vitamin E and carbon dioxide - were reviewed and accepted by NOSB. Regardless of size, any business that wants to use the word organic on their food products must meet or exceed the National Organic Standards.

The National Organic Program was designed with checks and balances. The list of materials allowed for farming and handling must be reviewed every five years. Any synthetic substance deemed to have an organic or natural alternative in ready supply can be removed from the list.

Organic businesses will continue to lead the way in developing innovative options for food production, but that takes a stable regulatory envi- ronment.

Thanks to recent bipartisan legislative action to restore the national organic program, which was developed with more than a decade of public input, consumers still can purchase their favorite products with the `USDA Organic' seal, and farmers can continue to have outlets for their organic crops. Growth of...

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