the us department of agriculture (usda) has for the first time adopted standards for labeling and processing of organic foods. The new standards ban the use of irradiation, biotechnology and sewer-sludge fertiliser for any food termed organic. Other major provisions include banning the use of pesticides and other fertilisers for growing organic food and using antibiotics in meat labeled organic. "The new regulations are the strongest and most comprehensive organic standards in the world," said the country's agriculture secretary, Dan Glickman. " usda has evolved strict organic standards that will boost the organic industry," said Katherine DiMatteo, spokesperson for the organic foods' industry. The regulations have been introduced at a time when organic foods are gaining a lot of popularity. The organic foods' industry is also dominating the export market. The new law will become fully operational by 2002.
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