Taking Sides

Have you been following the action in the feud between Cropwatch and IFRA, the International Fragrance Organization? On 16 January, Tony Burfield on behalf of Cropwatch, sent an e-mail announcing the organization’s campaign to boycott the 40th Amendment to IFRA’s Code of Practice “on the grounds that it discriminates against small industries, which cannot afford the time and effort to put it into practice.” IFRA’s reply came on 19 January and included the reminder that IFRA’s main purpose is “to promote the safe enjoyment of fragrances worldwide.” Today, Tony Burfield announced a petition to gather names of those who oppose the amendment, fragrance bloggers are weighing in, and Perfumer & Flavorist magazine offers an online poll at its Web site. Whichever side you find yourself on, the quarrel certainly has focused attention on the aroma trade.So, what do you think? What does the future hold for the aroma trade? Is the regulatory burden becoming too heavy for small industries? Does the amendment favor synthetic fragrance materials over natural ones? What does it all mean for the fragrance industry?