The US government will not create organic standards for mushrooms or pet food

The US Department of Agriculture is canceling a proposed rule that would have created organic certification standards for mushrooms and pet food. This means that these products will not have a clear path to be labeled "organic" under federal guidelines.

For years, the organic food industry has been trying to expand its reach into new product categories. Without federal standards, producers of organic mushrooms and pet food cannot use the official "USDA Organic" seal, which limits their market access and consumer trust. This decision effectively closes off a potential growth area for the organic market.