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Aquentium Ozone Systems Qualify for National Organic Program
Perris, CA - (WORLD STOCK WIRE) - March 18, 2010 -- Aquentium (OTCBB: AQNM) is pleased to announce that their complete line of ozone disinfection equipment qualifies as a suitable application regarding use under the National Organic Program.
Aquentium’s technology uses ozone as a disinfectant for food manufacturing equipment, and can also be used for direct application to food products to help destroy bacteria and viruses. “Our mission is to use ozone throughout world as an antimicrobial agent for use in food-contact applications for preventing food contamination,” stated Aquentium CEO Mark Taggatz.
With concerns over the use of chemicals such as chlorine, ozone is seen among manufacturers as a safer cleaning solution.
“Ozone is an excellent intervention regarding e-coli, listeria, salmonella and other bacteria or viruses. We are very optimistic that our patented technology will improve standards in the USA as well as internationally,” added Taggatz.
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and the National Organic Program (NOP) assure consumers that the organic agricultural products they purchase are produced, processed, and certified to consistent national organic standards. The labeling requirements of the NOP apply to raw, fresh products and processed products that contain organic agricultural ingredients. Agricultural products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be produced and processed in accordance with the NOP standards.
“Organic farming has become one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture,” commented Taggatz.
The U.S.A. had under a million acres of certified organic farmland when Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. By the time USDA implemented national organic standards in 2002, certified organic farmland had doubled, and doubled again between 2002 and 2005. Organic livestock sectors have grown even faster.
In 2005, for the first time, all 50 States in the U.S. had some certified organic farmland. U.S. producers dedicated over 4.0 million acres of farmland—1.7 million acres of cropland and 2.3 million acres of rangeland and pasture—to organic production systems in 2005. California remains the leading State in certified organic cropland, with over 220,000 acres, mostly for fruit and vegetable production. Other top states for certified organic cropland include North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Texas, and Idaho. Over 40 States also had some certified organic rangeland and pasture in 2005, although only 4 states—Alaska, Texas, California and Montana—had more than 100,000 acres. USDA lifted restrictions on organic meat labeling in the late 1990s, and the organic poultry and beef sectors are now expanding rapidly.
Organic foods now occupy prominent shelf space in the produce and dairy aisles of most mainstream U.S. food retailers. The marketing boom has pushed retail sales of organic foods up to $21.1 billion in 2008 from $3.6 billion in 1997. U.S. organic-industry growth is evident in an expanding number of retailers selling a wider variety of foods, the development of private-label product lines by many supermarkets, and the widespread introduction of new products.
A broader range of consumers has been buying more varieties of organic food. Organic handlers, who purchase products from farmers and often supply them to retailers, sell more organic products to conventional retailers and club stores than ever before. Only one segment has not kept pace—organic farms have struggled at times to produce sufficient supply to keep up with the rapid growth in demand, leading to periodic shortages of organic products.
Labeling requirements are based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product.
-Agricultural products labeled “100 percent organic” and “organic”
Products labeled as “100 percent organic” must contain (excluding water and salt) only organically
produced ingredients and processing aids.
Products labeled “organic” must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
Products meeting the requirements for “100 percent organic” and “organic” may display these terms and the percentage of organic content on their principal display panel. The USDA seal and the seal or mark of involved certifying agents may appear on product packages and in advertisements.
Agricultural products labeled “100 percent organic” and “organic” cannot be produced using excluded
methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.
-Processed products labeled “made with organic ingredients”
Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase “made
with organic ingredients” and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel. For example, soup made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients and only organic vegetables may be labeled either “soup made with organic peas, potatoes, and carrots,” or “soup made with organic vegetables.”
Processed products labeled “made with organic ingredients” cannot be produced using excluded
methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation. The percentage of organic content and the certifying
agent seal or mark may be used on the principal display panel. However, the USDA seal cannot be
used anywhere on the package.
-Processed products that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients
These products cannot use the term organic anywhere on the principal display panel. However,
they may identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced on the ingredients statement on the information panel.
-Other labeling provisions
Any product labeled as organic must identify each organically produced ingredient in the ingredient
statement on the information panel. The name of the certifying agent of the final product
must be displayed on the information panel. The address of the certifying agent of the final product
may be displayed on the information panel. There are no restrictions on use of other truthful
labeling claims such as “no drugs or growth hormones used,” “free range,” or “sustainably harvested.”
-Penalties for misuse of labels
A civil penalty of up to $11,000 can be levied on any person who knowingly sells or labels as organic
a product that is not produced and handled in accordance with the National Organic Program’s
regulations.
Aquentium’s ozone systems use can result in reduced energy costs for surface cleaning by eliminating the need for hot water during the process. Ozone can also help enhance the freshness of food products, including fruits, vegetables and seafood.
About Aquentium, Inc.
Aquentium is a diversified publicly traded company listed on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol (AQNM). Aquentium is dedicated to bringing energy saving solutions and technologies to companies and countries throughout the world.
The company is involved in waste-to energy, alternative energy, water treatment, non-chemical sanitation equipment, structural insulated building panels, affordable housing, and re-deployable / emergency housing.
The business of Aquentium also includes an ongoing effort to acquire or invest in new technologies or businesses.
www.aquentium.com
Tel: 951-657-8832
Note: Certain statements in this news release may contain "forward-looking" information within the meaning of rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Act of 1934 and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Corporate Address:
Aquentium, Inc.
5188 Western Way
Perris, CA 92571
USA
Phone: 951-657-8832
Note: The following news is from Aquentium, Inc., and World Stock Wire, Inc. is not liable for the contents of this news.
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