Previously, officials had said that the USDA’s National Organic Program seal could be used only for food products that met its organic standards. But a recent memorandum sent by the Department to accredited certifying agents said the rules are in effect “for organic products based on content irrespective of the end use of the product,” according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (Greenwich, Conn.).

The about-face came after Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps and the Organic Consumers Association filed a lawsuit challenging the exclusion of personal care products from the program.

A 2002 policy specifically allowed non-food products to carry the distinctive green organic seal. But an April 2004 USDA guidance document called on companies to stop labeling pet foods, cosmetics and personal care products as organic by Oct. 21, 2005, because the Department lacked the authority to regulate cosmetics and other non-food products.

The August reversal applies only to personal care products. The USDA formed a task force earlier this year to review issues surrounding organic pet foods, and additional rulemaking will likely be required for pet foods to be labeled as organic, said APPMA.