Synthetic ingredients can be used in processed foods labeled as organic, and have always been allowed. This was last re-affirmed in a 2005 bill, but was part of the original definition of "Certified Organic" as created in 2002. A processed food can be labeled as "certified organic" if that food consists of 95% or more certified organic ingredients. An item can be labeled "made with organic ingredients" if that food consists of 70-94% certified organic ingredients.
The main group that lobbied for the change was the Organic Trade Association (which includes both large organic producers like Kraft as well as a whole lot of smaller organic producers)...the bill wasn't actually introduced by a government panel or group. The main opposition was the Organic Consumers Association.
You can read more about it here:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2...5-10-28-01.asp