What Qualifies a Product as Organic?

Organic market fruits and vegetables

As sales growth of natural, organic products slows, organic foods are still on track to surpass $300 billion by 2023. More and more consumers are looking to buy products with no genetic modification, don’t use heavy pesticides, and are locally and sustainably produced. Consumers argue that organic foods taste better, but the jury is still out on whether organic foods are healthier for you. But regardless of why you want to go organic, it’s important to note that there are different levels of organic when it comes to labeling, and what you’re eating might not be as organic as you thought! So what qualifies a product as organic?


USDA Organic Labels

What qualifies a product as organic? To qualify to label something an organic product, the USDA has strict production and labeling requirements. Organic products must meet the following criteria:

      • Produced without excluded methods (e.g., genetic engineering), ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge.
      • Produced per the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
      • The products are overseen by a USDA National Organic Program – authorized certifying agent, following all USDA organic regulations.

The most organic a product can get when certified organic by the USDA. However, a product can also be “100% organic”, “organic,” or even “made with organic products.”

100% Organic

Raw or processed agricultural products in the 100% organic category must meet these criteria:

      • All ingredients must be certified organic.
      • Any processing aids must be organic.
      • Product labels must state the certifying agent’s name on the information panel. May include USDA organic seal and/or 100% organic claim.
        Must identify organic ingredients (e.g., organic dill) or via asterisk or other marks.

Organic

Raw or processed agricultural products in the organic category must meet these criteria:

      • All agricultural ingredients must be certified organic, except where specified on National List.
      • Non-organic ingredients allowed per National List may be used, up to a combined total of five percent of non-organic content (excluding salt and water).
      • Product labels must state the certifying agent’s name on the information panel.

May include USDA organic seal and/or organic claim.
Must identify organic ingredients (e.g., organic dill) or via asterisk or another mark.

Made With Organic

Multi-ingredient agricultural products in this category must meet these criteria:

      • At least 70 percent of the product must be certified organic ingredients (excluding salt and water).
      • Any remaining agricultural products are not required to be organically produced but must be produced without excluded methods.
      • Non-agricultural products must be specifically allowed on the National List.
      • Product labels must state the certifying agent’s name on the information panel.

May state “made with organic (insert up to three ingredients or ingredient categories).” Must not include USDA organic seal anywhere, represent the finished product as organic, or state “made with organic ingredients.”

Must identify organic ingredients (e.g., organic dill) or via asterisk or another mark.

“All-natural,” “free-range,” and “hormone-free” are other known labels used in the food business, but these labels do not qualify a product as organic.

Healthy Gifts

Are you looking for a healthy gift? When you need gift baskets focused on good taste but still are healthy and nutritious, you can turn to our collection of gift baskets featuring award-winning nuts, dried fruits, and healthy snacks.

 

© Featured Photo by Elena Elisseeva from Getty Images