Misleading labelling claims made by natural cosmetic companies that are using the word “organic” on product packaging and advertising has been a major issue for Australia’s certified organic skincare and personal care companies in the domestic and Asian export markets in recent years. Nature’s Gate, USA and Dr Organic, UK are two products using the word “organic” on labels and in promotions in Australia.
Despite in 2010 , a new Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS) being launched, and some action taken by the regulator the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against misleading claims made on food labelling, including organic labelling, certified organic cosmetics companies say false organic product labelling is still prevalent in the local market.
Ami Nakamura of Margate, Tasmania-based Australian Certified Organic-certified supplier Harmony Harvest says she is still seeing brands making false claims on labels. “Yes, companies have never stopped making these organic claims and some say they are using certified organic essential oils,” she says. Ami says she tries to educate customers that her certified organic spa products are safe, good for the skin and have natural healing properties.
Grace Culhaci of Sydney-based ACO-certified organic skincare company Pure & Green Organics says she did not see a slowing down of skincare brands coming on to the market in the last two years, while several brands are making false organic claims. There is still an almost zero understanding that there is a separate organic standard for skincare and personal care cosmetics in Australia,” she says. “
In Europe, the expansion of natural cosmetic labels may be halted by new EU cosmetics product regulations that will replace the Cosmetics Directive in July 2013. The regulations (EC No 1223/2009) will require new Cosmetic Product Safety Report submissions, notification of intended function of ingredients, allergen reports and warnings re usage for novel cosmetic ingredients.
BFA General Manager Holly Vyner says that BFA has been active in raising product manufacturers’ awareness of the ACCC’s commitment to considering Australian organic standards.“In the organic food category, there are now fewer products being marketed as organic, which do not respect the organic standards or carry a recognised certification logo. Brand owners are realising that apart from legal risks, and risks to their brands’ integrity in consumers’ eyes, there is also the risk of losing market access as an increasing number of wholesalers and retailers are demanding that organic products carry a recognised certification mark. The skincare and cosmetics sector is still a long way from achieving the same level of integrity [as the food sector] for organic labelling claims, however BFA will continue to remain active towards reducing these gaps in label integrity for consumers,” she said. The ACCC has a good system in place but it is up to consumers to report false organic logos & labelling.
To report a potentially misleading product, contact BFA’s Organic Crusader hotline via email theorganiccrusader@bfa.com.au or ph 1300 331 309
Source: Biological Farmers