On October 21st, 2002 the long-awaited USDA Organic Rule finally was implemented. The rules ensure consumers get what they pay for when choosing organic. The standards define organic farming and strictly control the labeling of organic food. Now we have extra assurance that any product labeled organic has been grown without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, genetically engineered organisms, irradiation, growth hormones, or antibiotics. Read on for more detailed information.
Organic Food is Produced Using:
Farming practices that build soil health, minimize soil erosion and protect water resources. Examples include crop rotation, cover and green manure crops, use of beneficial insects, composted animal manure and plant wastes and natural soil amendments.
No genetically engineered seeds or crops, sewage sludge, synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers are allowed.
Livestock management practices that promote healthy animals without the use of antibiotics or growth stimulating hormones. These practices include using 100 percent organic feed, providing outdoor access and pasture areas, clean water, well-ventilated housing, clean bedding and humane treatment.
No antibiotics, growth hormones, or genetically engineered products are allowed.
Food processing techniques that protect the integrity of the organic product. These include prevention of commingling organic products with non-organic products, isolation from non-approved sanitation chemicals and prohibited pest control products during processing, storage and transportation.
No food irradiation, genetically engineered ingredients, or synthetic preservatives are allowed.
Understanding Organic Labeling Laws
The USDA controls how the word "organic" is used on labels. Only products complying with the NOP may be sold as "organically" produced. No one may label a product or even imply that a product is organically produced if it does not comply with the NOP.
"100 Percent Organic" Labeling Requirements
Ingredients and processing aids must be 100 percent organic.
May use the USDA seal
May use the certifying agent's seal
Organic ingredients must be used if they are commercially available.
The product cannot contain the same organic and non-organic ingredient.
The product may not include conventional ingredients that are produced from GMOs, sewage sludge, or irradiation.
The name of the certifying agent must appear on all products.
"Organic" Labeling Requirements
Must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients and only use approved minor ingredients and/or processing aids
May use the USDA seal
May use the certifying agent's seal
Organic ingredients must be used if they are commercially available.
The product cannot contain the same organic and non-organic ingredient.
The product may not include conventional ingredients that are produced from GMOs, sewage sludge, or irradiation.
The name of the certifying agent must appear on all products.
"Made with Organic Ingredients" Labeling Requirements
Must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.
May use the certifying agency's seal
May not use the USDA seal
May only contain three organic ingredients or organic food groups on the front panel label claim.
Products which list "organic" ingredients on the ingredient panel
If less than 70 percent organic ingredients must only use the word "organic" in the ingredient list.
Must not use the USDA seal
Must not use the certifying agent's seal or the name of the certifying agent.
The term "organic" can not be used on the principal display panel.
Organic ingredients must be used if they are commercially available.
The product cannot contain the same organic and non-organic ingredient.
The product may not include conventional ingredients that are produced from GMOs, sewage sludge, or irradiation.
The name of the certifying agent must appear on all products.
