This blog has reported on the current controversy in California over Proposition 37, which could further restrict what manufacturers are allowed to print on their food labels in the state. Since California is such a major market, many experts are expecting that should Proposition 37 pass, it may soon become a national mandate.
While this November’s election may determine whether companies must label that they use genetically modified ingredients, there is already a large set of paperwork and red tape businesses need to cut through in order to label their products as organic.
Idaho bean country: More than just potatoes
Soranco Bean Products in Idaho produces and sells organic beans, although they only make up about 3 percent of the company’s total inventory, according to the Magic Valley Times-News, a local paper. Regardless, they are still subject to the rigorous inspections that are needed to be allowed to label its products as organic.
The full extent of the labeling process includes submitting an application for certification, paying a fee based on the previous year’s organic produce sales and then passing an on-site inspection. Oftentimes, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) will show up for an unannounced inspection. Furthermore, state inspection departments, such as the ISDA must be certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as an entity capable of conducting organic inspections.
The source was in attendance for one of these inspections, which lasted more than four hours, primarily going over paperwork.
While “natural” may have no governing body or regulations against its use, it’s clear that organic products are highly regulated. For companies that are able to sustain an organic product, investing in a Primera LX900 color label printer can do their efforts justice by creating high-quality custom labels that allow them to show off the care they give to their products.