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Juliette's Kitchen - November
2002
What Consumers Should Know About the New
USDA Organic Labeling Standard
by Juliette
Aiyana, L.Ac.
Contact and Appearance Information: 212-894-0767
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Thanks to grassroots lobbying efforts over many years on behalf
of organic food producers and consumers, the USDA has finally
developed organic labeling standards. The most essential fact
consumers should be aware of is that there are, not one, but four
distinct categories for labeling. For instance, just because a
product says, "Made with Organic Ingredients" does not
mean the product is made entirely of organic ingredients or without
genetically modified organisms (GMO's).
Food manufacturers will voluntarily begin labeling Organic food
products based on strict new standards issued from the USDA. Voluntary
labeling means food producers do not have to label products as
organic. But for food producers that chose to fraudulently label
products will face a hefty fine of $10,000 for each violation.
The Definition of Organic food according to the USDA
"Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use
of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water
to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic
meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that
are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced
without using most conventional pesticides; petroleum- based fertilizers
or sewage sludge-based fertilizers; bio-engineering; or ionizing
radiation. Before a product can be labeled organic, a Government-approved
certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure
the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic
standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before
it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified,
too."
Here's what consumers should look for. The following information
is taken from the USDA web site www.ams.usda.gov/nop
Packaged Food
Look at package labels and watch for signs in the supermarket
as well as the national organic standards, USDA developed strict
labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content
of the food they buy. The USDA Organic seal also tells you that
a product is at least 95 percent organic.
single-ingredient Foods
Look for the word Organic and a small sticker version of the
USDA Organic seal on vegetables or pieces of fruit. Or they may
appear on the sign above the organic produce display.
The word Organic and the seal may also appear on packages of
meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese, and other single-ingredient
foods.
Natural vs. Organic
The USDA also wants consumers to be aware that the word Natural
is not interchangeable with Organic. "Other truthful claims,
such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear
on food labels. However, don't confuse these terms with organic.
Only food labeled organic has been certified as meeting USDA organic
standards."
The Categories
1. "100 percent organic" and "organic"
Products labeled "100 percent organic" have got to
contain only organically produced ingredients, excluding water
and salt.
Products labeled as "organic" 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.
Products meeting the requirements for "100 percent organic"
and "organic" may display these terms and the percentage
of organic content 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.
Foods labeled "100 percent organic" and "organic"
cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing
radiation.
2. "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. For example, 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 be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing
radiation.
The percentage of organic content and the certifying agent seal
or mark may be used on the principal display panel. However, the
USDA seal cannot be used anywhere on the package.
3.Processed products that contain less than 70 percent organic
ingredients
These products cannot use the term organic anywhere on the principal
display panel. However, they may identify the specific ingredients
that are organically produced on the ingredients statement on
the information panel.
4.Other labeling provisions
- Any product labeled as organic must identify each organically
produced ingredient in the ingredient statement on the information
panel.
- The name and address of the certifying agent of the final
product must be displayed on the information panel.
- There are no restrictions in this final rule on use of other
truthful labeling claims such as "no drugs or growth hormones
used," "free range," or "sustainably harvested."
In short, remember to look for the USDA organic seal and as
always read the ingredients labels to be sure you are purchasing
what you think you are purchasing.
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