Facing criticism from organic food makers and consumer groups, the US Agriculture Department on Wednesday rescinded a decision that would have allowed milk to be labelled as "organic" even if it came from a cow treated with antibiotics.
In April, the USDA issued several guidance statements for organic labelling that it said were simply interpretations of existing regulations and did not need public input.
But critics said the changes allowed milk to be labelled as organic if it came from dairy cows treated with antibiotics, and certified farms as producing organic goods even if they used pesticides with unknown ingredients.
"I have directed the Agricultural Marketing Service to withdraw the statement of clarification and now to work with the National Organic Advisory Board and the industry to determine the best solutions to the issues that have been raised," Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman told reporters.
When the organic labelling program began in October 2002, the USDA said organic products could not contain pesticides or genetically modified ingredients, or come from animals that received antibiotics.
Consumer groups and the Organic Trade Association said they welcomed the USDA's reversal.
"This is a victory for the organic industry and we applaud Secretary Veneman's decision," said Holly Givens, spokeswoman for the Organic Trade Association.
Organics are one of the fastest-growing sectors of the US food industry, and typically command premium prices.