EarthSave announced today that it is concerned about the proposed national organic regulations set forth by the USDA. "We educate people about food that’s healthy for people and the planet. Consumers have come to trust that organic food is raised in a way that preserves the environment and improves food safety and quality. We are concerned that the proposed rules could confuse consumers by weakening the standards for what we call ‘organic’," commented EarthSave President Stacey Vicari.

The organic label has become a trusted symbol by consumers who want food that is healthy and produced without devastating the environment. EarthSave has the following concerns with the proposed standards:

The new proposals weaken practices used in raising organic plant-foods:

• Organics have avoided use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers.

• New ruling would allow "biosolids" - or human and industrial sewage sludge that can contain heavy metals and toxins.

The new proposed rules would lower standard for raising organic animals for food:

• New rules allow use of antibiotics, hormones, steroids.

• New rules do not prohibit feeding of rendered animal parts to other animals.

• New rules do not prohibit use of animal manure as animal feed.

The new standards would include allowing the use of unproven technologies such as:

• genetic engineering

• irradiation

We feel the USDA should follow the recommendations of National Organic Standards Board, which includes organic, environmental and consumer reps and has expertise, credibility, and legal authority.