Last week The Cornucopia Institute filed a formal request with the National Organic Standards Board, asking for for a rule change in the federal organic standards. Why the request? According to The Cornucopia Institute the request was made in order, "To prevent future problems with mislabeling of conventional or "natural" food as organic, and to protect consumers from false in-store signage."
This came about after an investigation by The Cornucopia Institute found that numerous stores in several states were carrying "organic" signs on shelves of non-organic breakfast cereal. Additionally, bulk bins containing non-organic granola featured signs that said "organic."
Golden Temple, which manufactures bulk granola under their trade name, and packaged products under the Peace Cereal brand had widespread, national labeling problems based on Cornucopia's research. In light of this, The Cornucopia Institute's complaint alleges that Hearthside Food Solutions, which manufactures Peace Cereal, is misleading consumers via fake organic claims.
For retailers specifically: The Cornucopia Institute makes the following statement to retailers, "We believe it is important for the organic industry, especially retailers, to understand current dynamics regarding organic labeling, especially for bulk bin items. We urge all retailers to immediately scrutinize their signage and confirm they are compatible with both the Organic Foods Production Act and general ethical retailing practices." Good advice.
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