The USDA released its final rule for labeling genetically modified (GM) foods in December, two-and-a-half years after Congress passed a federal labeling law.
In a significant win for organic, all certified organic products, including the label categories “100% Organic”, “Organic”, and “Made with Organic” are exempt from the labeling requirement. The exemption does not apply to products with less than 70 percent organically produced ingredients.
If you process products for a Private Label Owner or use a CCOF Certified Co-Packer to process your certified organic products, take a look at our new FAQs for details about which forms you’ll need to submit to CCOF for review.
We recently compiled our labeling resources and logo information in to one easy-to-find location. Our new Labeling and Logos page includes key information about designing labels and using the CCOF, USDA, and various foreign market organic seals and logos. There are helpful labeling flyers that can be downloaded and referenced at any time.
On August 14, 2014, the National Organic Program (NOP) published instruction 4012 “Use of Brand or Company Names Containing the Word ‘Organic’.” This instruction document is directed at certifiers and clarifies an area of potential confusion while indicating the NOP’s expectations and standards interpretations regarding product labeling.
Final guidance regarding products in the “Made with Organic***” category was finalized May 2, 2014. The guidance addresses a variety of labeling options and questions about how this labeling category is referenced on product labels. The guidance largely aligns with existing CCOF approvals. If you are designing a new creative label in this category, we recommend reviewing this guidance document first.
In October 2012 CCOF notified clients that all package labels for organic products must state "Certified Organic by CCOF" BELOW the name and contact information for your operation. The deadline for changing labels that do not comply was January 1, 2014. This deadline has been extended to January 1, 2016.
If the statement "Certified Organic by CCOF" is anywhere else on your label, such as next to your company name, above it, near it, etc., you will need to change your labels by January 1, 2016.