When you see an “organic” label on food in the supermarket what does the word mean? The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires organic food to be produced without using:
- most conventional pesticides;
- fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge;
- bioengineering; or
- ionizing radiation.
Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Farmers who grow organic food emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
Since 2002, federal organic standards have required specific labeling on processed organic foods in order to let consumers know the amount of organic ingredients in each product.
- Products labeled ''100 oercent organic'' may contain only organic ingredients.
- Products labeled “organic'' must be at least 95 percent organic by weight.
- Products with at least 70 percent organic ingredients may be labeled ''made with organic ingredients.”
- Products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients may list those ingredients on the information panel but may not display the term ''organic'' on the front.
Only products in the first three categories may display their category descriptions on packaging. They may also display the percentage of organic ingredients. The USDA Organic seal can only be displayed on products in the first two categories.
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