Understanding Organic Labeling
Back to Organic 101
Rigorous certification inspections and standards of production and processing ensure that organic labeled products are made without the use of pesticides and chemicals.
Here are a few of the common ways organic products are labled and what they mean:
Still have questions?
Our friends at the Organic Trade Association have provided answers to some basic questions on organics.
What is organic?
Organic refers to the way agricultural products-food and fiber-are grown and processed.
Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
Organic foods are nominally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.
What does "Certified Organic" mean?
"Certified Organic" means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by USDA-accredited state or private certification organizations.
Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.
Who regulates certified organic claims?
The federal government set standards for the production, processing and certification of organic food in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). The National Organic Standards Board was then established to develop guidelines and procedures to regulate all organic crops.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during December 2000 unveiled detailed regulations to implement OFPA. These took effect on April 21, 2001. USDA's National Organic Program oversees the program.