Is Your Tofu Biodynamic?
by TreeHugger on 04.23.05
These days branding is everything. Treehuggers used to just look for organic food, but now have to distinguish among "Biodynamic", "Food Alliance Certified," "local" and even "beyond organic." Some companies are making up their own names, see Tairwa The original term "organic" is now governed by Federal law, and can include pesticides and be made by farma giants. Many object to its standards and create their own. This can create problems- Treehugger wants folk to have useful decision-making information, but such branding confusion in the organic food market is lamentable ::Wall Street Journal by [LA]with a little help from [WM]
farma giants?
these are organic labeling guidlines from usda as posted at eco-labels.org which is run by the consumers union. that site is like a giant decoder ring for labeling.
100% Organic
According to USDA’s national organic standard, products labeled as “100 percent organic” can only contain organically produced ingredients. Products containing 100% organic ingredients can display the USDA Organic logo and / or the certifying agent's logo.
Organic
To be labeled as "organic," 95% of the ingredients must be organically grown and the remaining 5% must come from non-organic ingredients that have been approved on the National List. These products can also display the USDA organic logo and/or the certifier’s logo.
Made With Organic Ingredients
Food products labeled as "made with organic ingredients" must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients, three of which must be listed on the back of the package and again, the remaining 30% of the non-organic ingredients must approved on the National List. These products may display the certifier’s logo but not the USDA organic logo.