There’s No Such Thing As “USDA Organic” Fish
CBS News reports that despite a rule disallowing the “USDA Organic” designation for fish, some fish is being labeled that way. Currently, if you see seafood labeled as “organic,” it means that the fish is not from the United States and therefore may have been produced with chemicals and antibiotics aimed at keeping the fish healthy. The head of the Pure Salmon Campaign for the National Environmental Trust, Andrea Kavanagh says that if you buy fish labeled as organic, “You’re paying more for something that is not any different and not any better for you, and certainly not better for the environment.”
In their defense, the purveyors of fish labeled organic say “the fish have been raised as naturally as possible and certified in other countries that recognize the organic designation.” However, rules in other countries are different from rules in the United States. Animals in Europe may be given antibiotics if they are sick and organic salmon farmers are allowed to use pesticides to control seal lice.
In contrast, the organic label in the United States has specific, regimented application:
“Food animals cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones.
No pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or genetic engineering are allowed.
Farms must be certified by a government-approved agent.”
Despite the different standards applied, the U.S. government says that application of the organic label is acceptable for seafood, even if chemicals or antibiotics are present. It just can’t be labeled USDA Organic.
