USDA BANS "USDA ORGANIC" LABELS on Body Care Products

From OTA's News Flash April 22, 2005

USDA posts response to NOSB recommendations: NOP prohibits organic certification of personal care products

USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) today posted a statement in response to National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommendations on various provisions that had been raised by NOP a year ago. Included are such issues as using fishmeal as feed additives, inerts in pesticide formulations, origin of livestock, antibiotics, and the scope of NOP. Included was a statement prohibiting the certification of personal care products to NOP organic standards. Private certification is allowed, but no personal care product may be certified to the NOP standard or carry the USDA seal. OTA understands that organic ingredients may be identified, and truthful front-panel claims, such as the percentage of organic ingredients, may be made. See www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/PolicyStatements/USDANOSBFeedback3_10_05.pdf.