Organic label undergoes overhaul

How to simplify organic certification for multiple grower sites and refining the "100 percent organic" label are among the agenda items of the November meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).  

An agenda item about certifying operations with multiple sites or units may result in a rule that allows inspectors to visit a sampling of a groups’ sites. It is based in an effort to make it easier for small producers in less developed areas around the world to be certified, according to a recommendation to pass the rule issued by Compliance, Accreditation and Certification Committee.

If passed, inspectors will be allowed to inspect only a subset of facilities or sites provided there are strong internal control systems and a single organic system plan for all the units.

The same committee is making recommendations regarding the labeling of a product as "100 percent organic," and the use of certain "processing aids," sanitizers, packaging materials and atmospheric packaging materials." According to the committee, some sanitizers for processing equipment and inert atmospheric gases used in packaging do not become a part of finished food so their use allows for the 100 percent label.

Produce rinses and "hydro-cooling" for produce as well as diatomaceous earth used in grain silos do remain on food and "precludes that product’s being labeled as ‘100 percent organic,’" the committee says.

The meetings are being held Nov. 17 - Nov. 19, 2008, in Washington, D.C.