USDA redefines 'organic' labels PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (AP) - In a reversal, the government is drawing up rules saying that food cannot be labeled "organic" if it has been irradiated, genetically engineered or treated with antibiotics, a top agriculture official told farmers Thursday. The labeling plan was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to an outcry last year against an earlier set of rules organic farmers considered too permissive. The new rules governing fruit, vegetables and livestock will probably be published next summer in the Federal Register and could take effect in the fall. The department is trying to develop the first national standards on organic food labeling to replace a hodgepodge of state rules and industry guidelines. See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558136966-f8f> *** Also: USDA defends new food inspections, see full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558137462-aad>
