What Do Those Organic Labels Mean, Anyway?

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.

Listed at Green It! Carnival

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This post was written by Stefanie.

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3 Responses to “What Do Those Organic Labels Mean, Anyway?”

1wilson
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!
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2Stefanie
September 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
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3martin
October 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
Martin
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About keyword names: I will delete your comment if it is evident you are only posting it for a free link. I don't mind if you do not use your real name, as long as you are posting a real comment that contributes something.