SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An Organic Trade Association (OTA) representative today told the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) that OTA strongly opposes a proposed rule that would affect labeling claims on dairy products sold in Utah.
"This rule prevents organic dairy farmers and processors from truthfully communicating with retailers and consumers regarding federally regulated organic production practices. It also prevents Utah consumers from exercising full and free choice in determining which products they wish to purchase," said Clark Driftmier, senior vice president of Aurora Organic Dairy, speaking on behalf of OTA and its organic dairy members at a UDAF Division of Regulatory Services public hearing on proposed rule R70-340.
The proposed rule seeks to prohibit milk producers and processors from labeling their products with truthful statements that their milk was produced from cows not treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also called recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST).
Under the Organic Foods Production Act and the national organic rule, animals on an organic farm must be produced without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. The National Organic Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates labeling claims and the documentation required for such claims on organic products. State regulation of labeling on organic products is prohibited unless approved by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Driftmier noted that the language currently used by the Utah Department of Agriculture on its web site to describe organic production practices is essentially identical to the language used by organic dairy companies on their packaging. "Clearly, the Utah Department of Agriculture wants consumers to be informed how organic products are produced and what makes organic production different."
With many different states considering different labeling regulations with conflicting provisions, Driftmier pointed out, "There could develop a confusing patchwork of different rules from state to state, making it costly and inefficient to ship products to retailers and U.S. consumers."
Recommending that the rule not be adopted, Driftmier said, "OTA is committed to support of truthful and not misleading labeling. While we appreciate Utah's desire to protect the consumer from false and misleading labeling, we believe that the national organic standards provide more than adequate protection for users of organic products."
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its more than 1,650 members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy.
Organic Trade Association
