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Understanding Organic Labels

Almost any business involved in food production can be certified organic,  including seed suppliers, farmers, restaurants, and retailers.  The general requirements to meet this standard are as follows:

  • Avoidance of chemical inputs, i.e. fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, and genetically or hormonally modified organisms.
  • Farmland has been chemical free for three or more years.
  • Strict separation of organic products from non.
  • Keeping detailed records and undergoing periodic inspection to ensure standards are maintained.

USDA Organic Labels

In 2002 the United States Department of Agriculture established guidelines to inform consumers of the exact organic  content of their food.  On single ingredient food like meat, eggs, milk, fruits or vegetables, look for small, sticker versions of the USDA seal like the one above.  

Multi-ingredient food such as cereal  and cookies,  require more complicated labeling.  The USDA approved four types of organic labeling:

  • 100% Organic  - 100% of the ingredients meet organic standards and the product can carry the USDA seal.
  • Organic  - 95% of the ingredients meet organic standards (water and salt excluded) and it can carry the USDA seal.
  • Made with Organic  - at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase "Made with Organic" followed by up to three specific ingredients. No USDA seal allowed.
  • If less than 70% of the content is organic the product cannot display organic on the main panel.  It can only list it on the ingredients panel.

USDA Organic Produce

USDA Organic Meat 

USDA Organic Vegetables 

USDA Organic Fruit 

Organic Products

A wide variety of items come in organic form now:

Related Guides

Green Guide

Food and Beverage Guide

Green Home Guide

Fair Trade Food and Beverage Guide