Source: Susan Kelly, MEATINGPLACE, 1/4/18

Congress is considering legislation that would increase protections for consumers against food that is advertised as organic but does not meet the standards of USDA’s National Organic Program.

The Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act, introduced by Reps. John Faso (R-N.Y.) and Michelle Lujan (D-N.M.), calls for a modernization of organic import documentation, new technology advancements and stricter enforcement of organic products entering the United States.

The bill, which would nearly double funding for USDA’s oversight of the organic industry over the next five years, has 33 House cosponsors who hope bipartisan support will enable its passage this year, the Washington Post reported. The paper last year published several stories casting doubt on the authenticity of organic products including milk, eggs and imported grains.

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