|
Organic agriculture is a production method
that supports and enhances the earth’s natural balance. Organic
food products are produced using:
* Agricultural management practices that promote and enhance
agro- and eco-system health and use no genetically engineered seeds
or crops, sewage sludge, long-lasting pesticides, herbicides or
fungicides.
* Livestock management practices that promote healthy, humanely
treated animals by providing organically-grown feed, fresh air and
outdoor access while using no antibiotics or growth hormones.
* Food processing practices that protect the integrity of
the organic product and disallow irradiation, genetically modified
ingredients (GMOs) or synthetic preservatives.
Currently, the Organic Rule applies mainly to organic food products.
The USDA and the organic industry are working to create certification
standards for nonfood products such as fiber, personal care, household
cleaners and pet supplies.
Organic Labels: A Reference
100% Organic
* Product must contain only organically produced raw or processed
material, excluding water and salt.
* The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages,
and use of its
certifying seal is optional. Use of the USDA “organic”
seal is optional.
Organic
* Product must be at least 95 percent organically produced
ingredients.
* The label may also state the percentage of organic ingredients.
* The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages,
and use of its certifying seal is optional. Use of the USDA “organic”
seal is optional.
Made with Organic Ingredients
* Product must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.
* Product may display the term “Made With Organic .
. .” and then list up to three of the product’s organic
ingredients or food groups. The label may also state the percentage
of organic ingredients.
* The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages,
and use of its certifying seal is optional. Use of the USDA “organic”
seal is prohibited.
Other Labeling Provisions
* Products made with less than 70% organic ingredients may
make no claim other than designating specific organic ingredients
in the ingredients list.
* Any product labeled organic must use the word “organic”
to modify each organically produced ingredient in the ingredient
list.
* No restrictions are made upon the use of truthful labeling
claims, such as “pesticide free,” “no drugs or growth
hormones used,” or “sustainably harvested.”
* “Transitional” products are those that are being
grown according to the Organic Rule regulations, but have not yet
met a three-year requirement in order to label their product as
“organic.” Labeling products as “transitional”
is allowable as long as the word “organic” does not appear
on the label.
|
