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Foods Carrying the USDA '95% Organic' Seal

AbookamongstthemanyAbookamongstthemany Posts: 8,209
edited June 2007 in A Moving Train
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.

-Products labeled as "USDA Organic" and containing fish oil may contain toxins such as PCBs and mercury (note: nonorganic fishoil products have this same risk, but despite the USDA ruling, it is against the National Organic Standards to allow such toxins in organic foods).

"It's disheartening to see how profit motivated businesses like Kraft, Wal-Mart and Anheuser-Busch have more sway over the U.S. Department of Agriculture than family farmers, independent organic producers, and consumers," said Ronnie Cummins, OCA's National Director.

OCA's Environmental Scientist, Craig Minowa, noted that foods labeled as 100% organic will still be 100% organic. "This rule applies to products that are 95% organic or less," said Minowa of the USDA's decision, adding that "The ruling is yet another reason for organic-minded shoppers to carefully read ingredient labels, look for '100% Organic' labels, and buy from local family farmers via your area co-op, farmers market or CSA."

Take action and send a letter to the USDA here.

ORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION ·
6771 SOUTH SILVER HILL DRIVE·
FINLAND, MN 55603 USA
Telephone: 218-226-4164 · Fax: 218-353-7652·
email: adam@organicconsumers.org;
http://www.organicconsumers.org
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
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Comments

  • gue_bariumgue_barium Posts: 5,515
    Somebody in little old Finland, Minnesota took this action?

    I'm so proud to be from Minnesota right now.
    all posts by ©gue_barium are protected under US copyright law and are not to be reproduced, exchanged or sold
    except by express written permission of ©gue_barium, the author.
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    this is what happens when your gov't essentially is a large corporation ... for those who don't think big corporations dictate policy still ... it's there for all to see ...
  • Alex_CoeAlex_Coe Posts: 762
    This changes nothing. Look for the 100% Organic Sticker. That's that.
  • Pacomc79Pacomc79 Posts: 9,404
    just another reason it takes me forever to shop for groceries.

    I read ALL the labels and I paid attention in chemistry.
    My Girlfriend said to me..."How many guitars do you need?" and I replied...."How many pairs of shoes do you need?" She got really quiet.
  • my2handsmy2hands Posts: 17,117
    Pacomc79 wrote:
    just another reason it takes me forever to shop for groceries.

    I read ALL the labels and I paid attention in chemistry.

    sometimes i walk out of the store cross eyed
  • my2handsmy2hands Posts: 17,117
    we do not have a democracy, we have an auction

    anyone that disputes that is a fool
  • chadwickchadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    yea this bites.
    organic i thought meant just that.
    this is yet another sign of greed.
    whenever i go out to get groceries or whatever its a pain in the ass.
    so many things to read.
    try buying a toothbrush for example.
    anyhow, about food products being organic.
    its more expensive too, it is worth it to me.
    i dont eat white flour, white sugar, no soda pops, no fried foods.
    although i will eat chinese foods that are fried up but not very often.
    i refuse to eat fastfoods like mcdicks, ect.
    i shop at a local produce stand, organic fruit/vegies grown here in WA.
    same as the meats i eat, local and organic.
    very lil red meats.
    i used to see/buy spinach tortilla shells, organic.
    now they disappeared off the shelves.
    that is a drag.
    i think if my memory is correct a chicken jacked up on steroids ect
    is only like 2-3 months old or whatever when sent off to be processed
    into the bird you and your family/friends are going to consume.
    same with all the other none organic foods.filled with steroids, preservatives
    speeds up the growth, quicker sales, move, fast, dizzying sky rocketing,
    out of whack, bizarre, bullshit.
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • AbookamongstthemanyAbookamongstthemany Posts: 8,209
    chadwick wrote:
    yea this bites.
    organic i thought meant just that.
    this is yet another sign of greed.
    whenever i go out to get groceries or whatever its a pain in the ass.
    so many things to read.
    try buying a toothbrush for example.
    anyhow, about food products being organic.
    its more expensive too, it is worth it to me.
    i dont eat white flour, white sugar, no soda pops, no fried foods.
    although i will eat chinese foods that are fried up but not very often.
    i refuse to eat fastfoods like mcdicks, ect.
    i shop at a local produce stand, organic fruit/vegies grown here in WA.
    same as the meats i eat, local and organic.
    very lil red meats.
    i used to see/buy spinach tortilla shells, organic.
    now they disappeared off the shelves.
    that is a drag.
    i think if my memory is correct a chicken jacked up on steroids ect
    is only like 2-3 months old or whatever when sent off to be processed
    into the bird you and your family/friends are going to consume.
    same with all the other none organic foods.filled with steroids, preservatives
    speeds up the growth, quicker sales, move, fast, dizzying sky rocketing,
    out of whack, bizarre, bullshit.

    It is extremely expensive to by organic food sometimes. Especially Whole Foods...and I love that damn store. You walk in the door and it just smells like heaven, then there's the fresh cut flowers...orchids and lillies in full bloom, the produce always looks so colorful and fresh, they have an amazing selection of pasta sauces and lets not even mention the bakery...I could spend hours in there browsing around and smelling everything. :)
    If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
    -Oscar Wilde
  • chadwickchadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    Abookamongstthemany wrote:
    It is extremely expensive to by organic food sometimes. Especially Whole Foods...and I love that damn store. You walk in the door and it just smells like heaven, then there's the fresh cut flowers...orchids and lillies in full bloom, the produce always looks so colorful and fresh, they have an amazing selection of pasta sauces and lets not even mention the bakery...I could spend hours in there browsing around and smelling everything. :)

    Sounds like the place I do my buying of foods.
    To me being among fresh fruits and vegies is a delight.
    Very bright colors, every single item is healthy for us.
    Flowers so fresh they are attracting bees, dripping with nectar.
    I go over and lick the nectar right next to the honeybee.
    We are buddies, the bees and I.
    Give me a sack of local grown WA Bing Cherries and I am so set.
    It has been cherry season for the last few weeks.
    It is not even a problem for me to eat a pound or more of Bing cherries
    in one day.
    I am addicted and it is hard-core beyond all other fruits.(oops I lied)
    I am a fruit junkie like nobodies business.
    Gimmie a glass of the pulpiest orange juice, or an orange and a banana.
    Together that is the bomb.
    But I do miss my organic spinach tortilla shell wrap thingys.
    Damn it.
    Oh and do not forget Chadwick, get those Pinklady WA grown apples.
    An out of this world apple.
    Pinklady apples, go get a thingy of em.
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • Alex_CoeAlex_Coe Posts: 762
    Just remember, health food nuts: let's not go over the edge on the organic love. Cum, monkey shits, and tofu are all "organic", but they're not "edible". Love organic food... in moderation.
  • AbookamongstthemanyAbookamongstthemany Posts: 8,209
    Alex_Coe wrote:
    Just remember, health food nuts: let's not go over the edge on the organic love. Cum, monkey shits, and tofu are all "organic", but they're not "edible". Love organic food... in moderation.


    Thanks for that, man. I had one foot out the door on my way to buy a jar of organic monkey shit. You're a life saver. ;)
    If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
    -Oscar Wilde
  • Alex_CoeAlex_Coe Posts: 762
    Abookamongstthemany wrote:
    Thanks for that, man. I had one foot out the door on my way to buy a jar of organic monkey shit. You're a life saver. ;)

    I do what I can, my friend. You can thank me later.
  • chadwickchadwick up my ass Posts: 21,157
    Alex_Coe wrote:
    Just remember, health food nuts: let's not go over the edge on the organic love. Cum, monkey shits, and tofu are all "organic", but they're not "edible". Love organic food... in moderation.

    So what is your beliefs on eating decent foods?
    Enlighten us, if you would please.
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • gue_bariumgue_barium Posts: 5,515
    chadwick wrote:
    So what is your beliefs on eating decent foods?
    Enlighten us, if you would please.

    He's just trying to be clever, but his freeper is showing.

    shhh.
    all posts by ©gue_barium are protected under US copyright law and are not to be reproduced, exchanged or sold
    except by express written permission of ©gue_barium, the author.
  • fragileblakefragileblake Posts: 716
    Alex_Coe wrote:
    tofu

    Tofu is fucking awesome. A ton more versatile than any flesh you can eat. Maybe you should try some decent vegetarian food before talking shit.
    http://blakepnw.blogspot.com/
  • gue_bariumgue_barium Posts: 5,515
    fragileblake wrote:
    Tofu is fucking awesome. A ton more versatile than any flesh you can eat. Maybe you should try some decent vegetarian food before talking shit.

    Maybe he had a bad experience with monkey cum at the zoo one day.
    all posts by ©gue_barium are protected under US copyright law and are not to be reproduced, exchanged or sold
    except by express written permission of ©gue_barium, the author.
  • RolandTD20KdrummerRolandTD20Kdrummer Posts: 13,066
    Abookamongstthemany wrote:
    Thanks for that, man. I had one foot out the door on my way to buy a jar of organic monkey shit. You're a life saver. ;)

    comedic Gold...had to point that out.
    Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
    and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
    over specific principles, goals, and policies.

    http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg

    (\__/)
    ( o.O)
    (")_(")
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    I've always wondered... why don't more vegetarians grow their own. It's not like gardening is terribly hard.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    fragileblake wrote:
    Tofu is fucking awesome. A ton more versatile than any flesh you can eat. Maybe you should try some decent vegetarian food before talking shit.

    what percentage of tofu is actually considered "organic" though??? Is eating soybean curd from Monsanto any better than eating meat?
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • fragileblakefragileblake Posts: 716
    My girlfriend and I live in an apartment which, luckily gives us a 3 by 3 plot for gardening so we do grow a fair amount of herbs and produce. But what about people who live in apartments with no gardens? And how exactly would my girlfriend and I grow soybeans and process them into tofu? Thats pretty time consuming shit man. We pay more for USDA Organic shit and we should get what we pay for.
    http://blakepnw.blogspot.com/
  • fragileblakefragileblake Posts: 716
    godpt3 wrote:
    what percentage of tofu is actually considered "organic" though??? Is eating soybean curd from Monsanto any better than eating meat?

    I was responding to the comment about tofu not being edible. There are many organic tofu options in places like whole foods, new seasons and many co-ops.
    http://blakepnw.blogspot.com/
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    Alex_Coe wrote:
    monkey shits

    Just remember... all that wonderful "organic" produce was fertilized by horse and cow and pig and chicken poop.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    fragileblake wrote:
    But what about people who live in apartments with no gardens?

    farmer's market... either that or get outta the big city apartment.


    *munches on a fresh garden carrot* :)
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • fragileblakefragileblake Posts: 716
    godpt3 wrote:
    farmer's market... either that or get outta the big city apartment.


    *munches on a fresh garden carrot* :)

    Most farmers markets here are only open roughly half a year. How exactly do you expect people such as myself to get the money to move into a house with a yard to grow stuff?
    http://blakepnw.blogspot.com/
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    fragileblake wrote:
    Most farmers markets here are only open roughly half a year. How exactly do you expect people such as myself to get the money to move into a house with a yard to grow stuff?

    you can go to the farmers market for produce while it's in season and can or process it yourself for consumption during the winter months. :)
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
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