Understanding Organic Food Labels

Understanding Organic Food Labels

The availability of organic foods is increasing. All foods labeled organic must meet strict government standards. To be certified organic by the USDA, food must be produced with renewable resources while conserving soil and water. Use of most conventional pesticides is forbidden as is the use of synthetic fertilizers, irradiation and bioengineering.
 Take some time to become familiar with the labeling of organic foods.

• 100 Percent Organic. All ingredients in the product are USDA-certified organic. Also, ingredients used in processing organic foods must be organic.
• Organic. At least 95 percent of all the ingredients must be certified organic by the USDA. The remaining ingredients are not available organically, but have been approved by the government.
• Made with Organic Ingredients. At least 70 percent of the product must be USDA certified organic. These products do not bear the USDA Organic seal, but they may state “Made with Organics” and name up to three organic ingredients that were used.