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Forbes Magazine Covers the Organic Body Care Controversy

As near as you can discern from the cryptic labels of his liquid soaps, the late Emil Bronner believed in the wisdom of Rudyard Kipling, the work ethic of Mark Spitz and the unity of mankind.

His heirs are more straightforward, though less accepting of humankind. A lawsuit filed by All One God Faith--which does business as Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps--this week accused 13 cosmetic competitors in the washing game of false advertising through the misuse of the label "organic" on their products.

The suit was filed in California Superior Court in San Francisco. Dr. Bronner's accuses these companies, which include Kiss My Face, Stella McCartney America, Estee Lauder and Hain Celestial Group, of using petroleum-based ingredients in their potions. That, according to Dr. Bronner's, means they are falsely advertising themselves as organic manufacturers. With growing public interest in all things green, Dr. Bronner's claims it is losing sales.

None of those competitors were willing to comment on the case.

The U.S. does not maintain standards for organic cosmetics and soaps, so Dr. Bronner's went to the federal Department of Agriculture, which regulates farm goods, and obtained a seal for its products. Dr. Bronner's lawsuit was conceived five years ago when the word "organic" began appearing on widely marketed products, which never had to meet a standard to use that term...

Full Story: http://www.forbes.com/facesinthenews/2008/05/01/bronner-organic-soap-faces-markets-cx_hs_0501autofacescan01.html

 

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