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.
