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Dedicated to informing and educating IN THIS ISSUE members and the public about food and agriculture, consumer food concerns, Spring soups, page 7 and the cooperative business model. Sustainable palm oil, page 8 No. 489 • March 2014 American-caught seafood, page 12 SOUND CONSUMER PCC wins wine award MORE LAWSUITS PCC has received the Retail Group of the Year award in the 12th Annual Washington State Wine Awards. Washington State Wine recognizes industry champi- ons that play a vital role in shaping OVER “NATURAL” Washington as both a favored home and destination for those “Natural” claims The meaning of “natural” who enjoy outstanding wine. A 2010 survey done by the Bellevue- “We are honored and a little are disappearing based research firm, The Hartman Group, humbled to be recognized for our found a majority of respondents from across commitment to offering our cus- from food labels. the country believed “natural” implied tomers the best possible selection “absence of pesticides” and “absence of of Washington wines,” said Jeff Cox, herbicides.” Sixty-one percent believed PCC’s wine merchandiser. “We “natural” implied or suggested the “ab- think Washington is far more than by Joel Preston Smith and the editors sence of genetically modified foods.” just a place where vines grow and According to research firm, Datamonitor, are made into wine — it’s an amaz- ingly diverse realm of places and The number of lawsuits challenging only 47 percent of Americans reportedly climates, each with its own unique use of the term “natural” on packaged trust the “natural” label. character and flavors.” foods has exploded in the past couple Urvashi Rangan, director of consumer of years. Since the Sound Consumer safety at Consumers Union, says “Eighty- first reported on consumer confu- six percent of consumers expect a ‘natural’ Organics in Farm Bill sion over “What does natural mean?” label to mean processed foods do not When President Obama signed (October 2011), more than 100 lawsuits contain any artificial ingredients, but the 2014 Farm Bill into law, he said reportedly have been filed against current standards (see sidebar page 4) in his speech the bill supports or- brands including Cargill, PepsiCo, prohibit only artificial colorings and addi- ganic, which “makes my wife very Ben & Jerry’s and dozens of others. tives. High-fructose corn syrup, partially happy!” In fact, the final farm bill In general, the lawsuits allege that hydrogenated oils, genetically modified includes all of the Organic Trade some of their “natural” claims consti- organisms (GMOs), and more still can be Association’s “asks,” including: tute deceptive marketing. used in ‘natural’ foods.” Combine these • Increased funding for organic So far, none of the “natural” lawsuits expectations with the finding from the research to improve organic have gone to trial, according to The New Natural Marketing Institute that two-thirds farm practices, develop organic- York Times. They have been settled of Americans believe foods today are less compliant responses to threats out of court or dismissed by a judge. safe to eat because of chemicals used during such as citrus greening, and But many are still in the pipeline. growing and processing of foods, it’s a develop new seed varieties for One result is that food companies recipe ripe for challenge. organic farming. are pulling back on using the “natural” The word “natural” is not defined or means “nothing artificial or synthetic • Increased funding for organic claim. According to The Wall Street regulated by the government or any other (including all color additives, regardless data collection and distribution Journal, only 22 percent of food agency, except by the U.S. Department of of source) has been included in, or has to enable organic farmers to products and 34 percent of beverages Agriculture (USDA) for processed meat. been added to, a food that would not make more informed decisions introduced in the United States in the Unlike “organic,” no government normally be expected to be in the food.” about what to grow, what quan- first half of 2013 had “natural” labels, agency, certification group or other inde- In 1993 FDA stated it would consider tities the market needs, and what down from 30 percent and 45 percent, pendent authority defines the term “natural” defining “natural,” but essentially has prices are available. respectively, in 2009. on packaging or ensures the claim is truth- tabled the effort. Companies such as PepsiCo and ful. Buying foods labeled “natural” may • Increased funding for the Campbell Soup are among the com- not mean anything for avoiding synthetic FDA declines to define “natural” National Organic Program panies dropping the “natural” label. inputs and toxins used on farms and (NOP), ensuring enforcement An FDA spokesperson says the Barbara’s dropped the “natural” claim inside manufacturing plants. of organic standards, improved agency has sent several warning letters from its Puffins cereals after a 2011 The trouble with “natural,” says Stephen technology, increased ac- to companies in the past about use of investigation found genetically engi- Gardner, litigation director for the Center creditation of certifiers, and the term “natural” but even in January, neered (GE) ingredients. Now most of for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), development of international it “respectfully declined” to define it. Barbara’s cereals and cookies promi- is that it has no legal definition. The equivalency arrangements. Three federal judges had asked FDA nently display the Non-GMO Project Food and Drug Administration (FDA) • Additional enforcement tools Verified seal. has a longstanding policy that “natural” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 for NOP to root out fraud. • Increased funding for certifica- tion cost share for new and PCC Natural Markets CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PRSRT STD transitioning farmers. US POSTAGE 4201 Roosevelt Way NE Hill staffers reportedly see PAID Seattle, WA 98105 SEATTLE, WA these wins as a “coming of age” PERMIT NO. 401 for organic, and say this Farm Bill will be remembered as the “moment organic took its full seat at the table.” YOUR CO-OP COMMUNITY Find out more about community events at pccnaturalmarkets.com/events Loyal Heights Pancake Breakfast Kirkland Shamrock Run Thanks for donating to food banks! Sunday, March 2, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m. Thanks to your support, we successfully 2101 NW 77th St., Seattle Kirkland Marina Park raised $137,386.30 in 2013, which was used to purchase 71,965 pounds of bulk food for Enjoy the company of friends and Join PCC for the 5k Shamrock Run, The new spring catalog will be out at our 10 partner food banks. More than 900 neighbors with a stack of pancakes, eggs which begins and ends at the beautiful the end of the month! Many classes fill up volunteers pitched in to help repackage the and sausage at the all-you-can-eat annual Kirkland Marina Park. Enjoy a scenic morning quickly and some will have waiting lists. food. To learn more about the PCC Food Bank Loyal Heights pancake breakfast. This event run or walk through downtown Kirkland Registration for the new schedule begins Program, including how to volunteer at a is the community center’s major fundraiser. and along the waterfront. Stay for the March 31. To get the earliest opportunities, packaging party or how to make a donation, The PCC Kid Picks Mobile will be there. after-party in the park. PCC will be there sign up for our PCC Cooks e-newsletter at visit pccnaturalmarkets.com/foodbank. pccnaturalmarkets.com/enews. All proceeds are used to help families in with fruit for your post-race refueling. Beer lover? Take our Belgian Classics need take part in programs and activities More information and registration can class in our current calendar, with a throughout the year. You can buy tickets at be found at kirklandshamrockrun.com. Community grant winner the community center in advance for $4 or demonstration and tasting menu where PCC is delighted to announce that our at the door for $5. Kids 3 and under are free. every course, even dessert, is paired Northwest Women’s Show first community grant has been awarded to with a Belgian beer. Register online at the Daniel Bagley School Garden program, Friday, March 21, Saturday, PccCooks.com or call 206-545-7112. in the Greenlake neighborhood. This remark- March 22 and Sunday, March 23 Future chefs explore a world of pos- able program, started by three parents and a CenturyLink Field Event Center sibilities in our popular Kids Cooking Mount Baker Community Club teacher, supplies indoor labs for plant starts, Camp. Over the course of five hands-on 2811 Mount Rainier Drive S., Seattle PCC is pleased to invite you to join us raised beds for individual classes to care for, classes, kids learn cooking techniques, at the wine event at this popular show. and curriculum add-ons around garden- Kindiependent is “Seattle’s independent kitchen safety and delicious recipes. You’ll enjoy samples of Washington wines based outdoor learning activities. kids and family music scene” and features They’ll be able to prepare entrées, side along with cheese bites at the PCC booth. During the summer months, all the har- some of the best, local children’s entertain- dishes and desserts from different parts You also may purchase wines. Proceeds vested produce is donated to the Greenwood ment groups. of the globe: each day features a different from this event will go to the Northwest Food Bank. The kids wash all the greens be- cuisine. There are sessions for two age The Not-Its! Center, an organization that advances equal fore they donate them to the food bank. PCC’s groups: 8 to 11 and 12 to 15.