USDA Stops Organic Certification of Cosmetics

When the US Department of Agriculture created its organic certification program in 2002, it created a seal to indicate that goods were organically produced for cosmetics, pet food and even textiles. Now the agency has reversed itself, claiming there is no legal basis for the official organic label on such products. The law that created the program covers only food products.

Consumer and industry leaders are asking the government to reconsider. People with sensitivities to chemicals had come to depend on the seal to find personal care products that would not cause reactions. Some producers had invested heavily in setting up organic sources to supply their companies. Allowing the organic designation for pet food is being considered, but the head of the agency's National Organic Program says it would take an act of congress to return the seal to cosmetic products.

Link: No more ‘organic’ labels for skin care from MSNBC News

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 5:20 PM on June 17, 2005

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