Label accordingly

The Cornucopia Institute, a Wisconsin-based organic group, declared checkmate in its battle against Wal-Mart over the mislabeling of organic food products, Advertising Age reports.

Wal-Mart has not broken any laws but the Wisconsin agriculture department sent the big-box retailer a "formal warning" about potentially misleading customers with its shelf labels. The letter notes that Wal-Mart's "Organics" designation "in combination with a reference to a specific non-organic product may be considered to be a misrepresentation" that may violate Wisconsin law.

A Wal-Mart spokeswoman pointed out that Wal-Mart itself does not label products as organic; this is managed by product providers. However, efforts are being made to ensure shelves tagged "Organic" do not mislead.