Reading organic labels is often confusing when you don’t know the differences between the different levels of organics.
Picture this, you’re strolling the aisles of the market, you find a product you want, but there is a dilemma, one is marked certified organic, the other organic, and yet another is “made with organic ingredients.” What does it all mean? Which should you choose?
Here are some simple ways to tell the difference in labeling according to Organic Foods Production Act and the National Organic Program (NOP):
Foods labeled "100 percent organic"
Products labeled as "100 percent organic" must contain only organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). If the product consists of more than one ingredient, all ingredients must be listed on the packaging.
These products may clearly display the wording "100 percent organic" on their principal display panel. The USDA seal and the seal or mark of involved certifying agents may appear on product packages and in advertisements.
Certified organic products must be made from certified organic crops, which are grown on land free of prohibited substances for a minimum of three years prior to harvest. Only food products may be certified organic. Personal care items, bedding/bath, and clothing can contain certified organic ingredients though.
Foods labeled "organic"
Organic products must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List or non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form and the product cannot contain sulfites. All ingredients must be listed and any organic ingredients must be labeled as such.
Again, like 100 percent organic products, organic products may clearly display the wording organic on their principal display panel. The USDA seal and the seal or mark of involved certifying agents may appear on product packages and in advertisements.
Processed products labeled "made with organic ingredients"
Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase "made with organic ingredients" and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel. They must contain no sulfites (except wine may contain sulfur dioxide), less than 30% of non-organically produced ingredients, and may show certifying agency on the packaging.
For example, according to the NOP, soup made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients and only organic vegetables may be labeled either "soup made with organic peas, potatoes, and carrots," or "soup made with organic vegetables."
Processed products labeled "made with organic ingredients” cannot include the USDA seal anywhere on the package.
Processed products that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients
They may identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced on the ingredients statement on the information panel, but may not use the USDA or any certifying agency seal. They may also use other substances without restrictions to standards, but may not label them as organic ingredients.
|
