Organic labeling
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Organic Consumers Association alleges "70% organic" claims used in print ads for Avalon Organics personal care products are misleading since Avalon includes hydrosols, or non-plant water derived from steaming botanicals, as organic content. OCA claims inclusion of hydrosols is a widespread problem in the natural products industry because companies seek to add the ingredients to meet the 70% organic labeling standard established by the California Organic Products Act of 2003 (1"The Rose Sheet" Oct. 14, 2002, p. 3). Avalon currently is phasing out product packaging featuring 70% organic claims as the firm relaunches its personal care products in line with a new "Consciousness in Cosmetics" principle (2"The Rose Sheet" Oct. 25, 2004, p. 8). OCA also contends that companies who use "organic" in brand names, such as Avalon Organics and Nature's Gate Organics mislead customers, who interpret the labels literally...