You're at the grocery store looking for organic items, and maybe you're wondering, "How do I know if it is really organic?" or "If it is 'made with organic ingredients,' how organic is it, really?" Before you give up on purchasing organic, we're here to help you understand the labels.
100% Organic
- With the exception of water and salt, only organically produced materials may be used.
- Terms must be displayed on front of package.
- USDA seal can be used.
Organic
- Must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients. The other 5% must be nonagricultural or approved non-organic ingredients on the USDA's national list.
- Before the use of non-organic ingredients, the company must prove a lack in quality or quantity of equivalent organic ingredients.
- Terms must be displayed on front of package.
- USDA seal can be used.
Made with Organic Ingredients
- Must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients.
- Front of package may display a list of up to 3 included organic ingredients.
- Use of USDA seal not allowed.
Other Labels
- Products containing 50%-70% organic ingredients must display the actual percentage and list each organic ingredient with the word 'organic.'
- Label's information area must display name and address of certifying agent.
- Products containing less than 50% organic ingredients may not claim 'organic' on the product, and may only list the organic ingredients in the ingredients information
What does all this mean for the consumer? Well, if your intent is to purchase only organic, you will need to look for the 100% organic label. Being labeled USDA Organic does not necessarily mean it is 100% organic, although it does mean it is at least 95% organic.
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This post was written by Stefanie.
September 13th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I didn't even know that the "USDA seal" can only be used, if the product contains at least 95% of pure organic substances...
This is really an interesting fact, Stefanie and to be honest, I won't care to spend 20-30 percent more for buying those organic foods, especially the organic vegetables and fruits!
Quote This CommentSeptember 15th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Wilson, sometimes organic foods can be found on sale for equal to or less than non-organic equivalents. I love when that happens
Quote This CommentOctober 16th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
This info is all new to me, therefore to many others reading in. Thanks for the info.
Can I add my site http://Herbways.blogspot.com to your directory? I already have my Tips and Wrinkles 4U with the your directory on the site.
Thanks for the consideration
Quote This CommentMartin
December 4th, 2008 at 2:46 am
Very informative for organic foods as i do not know much about them. But now i will notice it in my daily routine.
Quote This CommentDecember 17th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Unfortunately in Australia we don't have any such labeling to identify organic produce so easily. They always say we are 10 years behind the USA. Hopefully one day we will get it soon.
Gina
Quote This CommentDecember 18th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Gina, how are you able to tell what is organic and what isn't?
Quote This CommentFebruary 17th, 2009 at 1:24 am
I don't have knowledge about USDA seal. Thanks for information and now i will check out USDA seal from organic food.
Quote This CommentMarch 4th, 2009 at 8:31 am
[...] are greenwashing? While the term “organic” is regulated (albeit, somewhat loosely, see standards for organic labels, “green,” “eco-friendly,” “natural,” etc. have no strict [...]
Quote This CommentMarch 17th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Organic food is costly compare to ordinary food. But it is hygienic food. Good information about USDA Seal for organic food.
Quote This CommentMarch 20th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Nice information. Now i will checked the USDA organic label when purchased organic food.
Quote This CommentMarch 31st, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Glad to see that there are strict requirements for the usage of both labels.
Quote This CommentApril 2nd, 2009 at 2:14 am
Consumers beware -> not all labels that bear organic words are really organic. It takes a lot of scrutiny to get the genuine ones. Again your post is very informative. I just added a little (lol)
Quote This CommentApril 7th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Somehow I've managed to never notice these labels while grocery shopping. I'm going today after work and will definitely keep an eye out for them... Thanks for the info.
Quote This CommentApril 21st, 2009 at 10:11 pm
A few years I joined the practice of consuming organic products and I do not regret, because the benefits are so many!
Congratulations for the article.
Quote This CommentMay 4th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Thanks for the tip Stefanie.
Quote This CommentJune 17th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Stephanie,
Quote This CommentThanks for the info on the differences between the various terms used when describing "Organic" products...I had no idea of the breakdown and percentages.