The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Certified organic flavors now required in organic products

A final rule published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) now requires the use of certified organic flavors in certified organic products when they are commercially available. The rule was implemented and went into effect on December 27, 2019. “It is now time that the regulations catch up with the marketplace,” […]

Bayer Roundup settlement deal is close as claims surge, mediator says

Speculation is building that Bayer AG may settle more than 75,000 cancer claims over its Roundup weedkiller, according to the court-appointed mediator in the litigation. Mediator Ken Feinberg said in an interview with Bloomberg News that a deal could be reached in about a month and that the accord would be comprehensive. In its third […]

EU scientists: New genetic modification techniques and their products pose risks that need to be assessed

Gene editing and RNA interference are powerful new genetic engineering techniques with no history of safe use and when these techniques are applied to living organisms, they should be regulated in the same way as other genetic modification (GM) techniques. That is the opinion of the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility […]

Bob Randall still spreading the gospel of organic gardening in Houston

Urban Harvest is the fourth-largest community garden program in the country, and 77-year-old Bob Randall is still planting seeds. A New Jersey native who thrived on produce from his grandparents’ farm, Randall worked part-time in college in pesticide research. Soon after he “abandoned pesticides for ecology,” earning a PhD in anthropology focused on people’s interactions […]

GMO Free USA launches survey to assess safety of Impossible Burger

Following reports of adverse health reactions from people consuming Impossible Foods’ plant-based Impossible Burger, the non-profit GMO Free USA is collecting data via a public health survey. It is urging individuals who have experienced mild to severe digestive or other health reactions after eating the Impossible Burger or other Impossible Foods products to participate. The […]