What are the government regulations for food labels?

The economic principle I am exploring is, what are government regulations for labels on food products?

My research question to help me study the economic principle is what are government regulations for food labels?

The article "When 'Organic' Food Isn't" published in National Review demonstrates this economic principle by showing us labels on food cant always be trusted.

First, the Washington post had to articles where they exposed the "dubiousness" of the organic label. Basically the researchers wanted to see if these organic farms pass the standards of organic foods, and if they do not, people are being overcharged and mislead. I think when people are willing to pay sometimes even double the price of a produce to make sure it isn't sprayed in pesticides or other harmful chemicals, farmers and producers need to keep their word and keep up with the standards.


Second, the Post wanted to do another study on the organic grains in the US, since nearly all the corn and soybean in the US are genetically engineered seeds.  The investigation on grain showed that two shipments large enough to "constitute a meaningful proportion of the US supply were fraudulent. Knowing that this is something that can happen is is very disappointing and can also be very dangerous. I know from personal experience that the chemicals they spray on oranges is very harmful to my body. I will break out in hives for days and when I eat an organic orange I am perfectly fine. So not only are they taking more of our money but also putting our health at risk. 


Third, not only does a companies produce have to be treated and handed a certain way, but also their livestock. For example Organic Valley, which is one of the largest producers of organic dairy in the US mentioned the feed they buy for their cows, when there is a domestic shortage, is sometimes imported from Turkey and Romania. This should be of concern to consumers because studies have shown that the grain from those countries are "fake organic". I think when people say they have organic produce and charge more for their produce they should do everything they can do make sure they have 100% organic products.