Is This How You Define Organic?

What do xanthan gum, an artificial thickener, ammonium bicarbonate, a synthetic leavening agent, and ethylene, a chemical that accelerates the ripening of fruit, have in common? These and other synthetic additives commonly lurk behind that "USDA Organic" stamp of approval you see on the organic products increasingly crowding the shelves of big-box stores and boutique food shops alike. Read the entire article at Salon.

Courts have recently ruled that this stuff shouldn't be permitted under strict organic labeling, but an amendment to an appropriations bill has been proposed that would continue to allow these synthetic substances. If you'd like to contact your Congressional reps about it, here is where to find their email addresses.