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Amy’s Kitchen Supports New USDA National Organic Standards (NOS)
On
October 21, 2002, the new National Organic Program became fully implemented
nationwide. These national standards will ensure that all organic products
are certified organic by an accredited agent who verifies that each
product meets the Food and Drug Administration’s strict new guidelines.
Amy’s Kitchen fully supports the new National Organic Program
and is 100% compliant. Because of the time delay between manufacturing
and distribution, it will take three to six months for any old packaging
to phase out at the store level.
Over the past thirteen years Amy’s Kitchen has taken a leadership role in drafting the new standards by working with other companies to bring these changes to the organic industry. Amy’s acted as a "company model", influencing the new labeling laws.
Amy’s believes the new rules will help build trust among consumers by clarifying the meaning of "organic". These new rules enable clear and consistent communication and claims by all producers across the country. It is our hope that the inauguration of these new U.S. standards will pave the way for international agreements - ultimately streamlining trade of organic products between countries and world regions.
Most of the new requirements are consistent with the policies held by Amy’s Kitchen since its inception in 1987. The company has diligently maintained a policy of keeping GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) from entering the production floor of its kitchen facilities. Amy’s Kitchen applies this standard rigorously to both organic and non-organic ingredients. The new NOS policy requires that all foods considered organic must be free of GMOs (see our GMO section for more information).
Ultimately, consumers will be the greatest benefactors of the new organic standards. Many consumers have avoided or postponed purchase of organic products due to the confusing or mixed messages about the validity of product claims. Producers and the news media have long been challenged to present a balanced view of a confusing situation with organic products. The clarity of the new USDA policies and labeling laws will act to legitimize true organic products of every kind.
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