What
does the USDA Organic Seal mean for you?
A National Organic Standards Factsheeet
"These
are the strictest and most comprehensive organic standards in the world."
-- Dan Glickman, US Secretary of Agriculture, December 2000
Background:
- On October 21, 2002, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch a new set of national standards for food and fibers labeled "organic," whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries.
- After October 21, 2002, when you buy food labeled "organic," in the United States, you can be sure that it was produced using the highest organic production and handling standards in the world and certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
- In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) to determine uniform standards for the term "organic." The new National Organic Standards are the result of this legislation.
- The National Organic Standards offer a national definition, a precise set of standards and a regulatory and compliance procedures for farmers and processors to use the term "100% organic", "organic" and "Made with organic ingredients."
- They detail the methods, practices and substances that can be used in producing and handling organic crops, livestock, greenhouse, wild and organic processed food and fiber products.
- They establish clear organic labeling criteria, and specifically prohibit the use of genetic engineering methods, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge.
- The National Organic Standards replace a patchwork of different state and private certification standards, and are designed to take the confusion out of what organic means for consumers.
- While all organic food farmers and processors must be certified by the USDA, use of the "USDA Organic" seal on products labeled "100% organic" and "organic" is voluntary.
What the National Organic Standards Mean for Consumers:
- The National Organic Standards will provide clear and consistent labeling for use of the term "100% organic", "organic" and "Made with organic ingredients" and help eliminate confusion as to what the term organic really means.
- For consumers who buy organic food and fiber products, the standards will ensure that they can be confident in knowing what they are buying (including the exact organic content). The involvement of the USDA will, we hope, also add to that trust and inspire further consumer confidence.
- For consumers who are concerned about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), the National Organic Standards reinforce the fact that organic food is never produced with genetically engineered or modified, and is never irradiated.
What is organic?
Organic food and fiber is grown without relying on synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming helps protect our air, soil, water and food supply from potentially toxic chemicals and other pollutants. Organic farming conserves natural resources by recycling natural materials and it encourages an abundance of species living in balanced, harmonious ecosystems. Organic farmers are required by the National Organic Standards to minimize soil erosion; implement crop rotations; provide for the humane, general welfare and health of farm animals and prevent contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant and animal nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances.
Before a product can be labeled organic, a USDA agent annually inspects the farm where the food or fiber is grown and the facility where organic food or fiber is processed to make sure the farmer and the processing operation are following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food or fiber must be certified as well. The name and address of the USDA-approved organic certifier must also appear on all packaged products that use organic ingredients.
Labeling:
To assist consumers, the USDA has designed a seal that may be used on products labeled as "100% Organic" or "Organic." The actual percentage of organic content may be displayed on all products, regardless of label category. The new National Organic Standards will allow four different labeling options based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product. These include:
"100% Organic" - 100% of the substances, ingredients, processing aids, food additives including colors and flavorings are certified organic
"Organic" - Contains at least 95% organic ingredients. The remaining 5% can be substances petitioned, reviewed, published for public comment and if found that no organic substitute exist are placed on the USDA's National List of Allowed substances. The National List includes these type of substances:
- Synthetic substances allowed in organic crop production
- Synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use with non-synthetic substances or synthetic substances used as an active allowed crop or livestock pesticide ingredient.
- Non-synthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop, livestock production and processing.
- Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.
- Nonagricultural (non-organic) (both non-synthetic and synthetic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as "organic" or "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))."
- Non-organically produced agricultural products allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as organic or made with organic ingredients
"Made with Organic Ingredients" - Contains between 70-94% organic ingredients. For example, a soup made with at least 70% organic materials and only organic vegetables could be labeled "made with organic peas, potatoes and corn" or "soup with organic vegetables." Non-organic ingredients and synthetic substances normally allowed in conventional food and fiber production are allowed for use in up to 30% of the content of products labeled "Made with organic ingredients."
Products with less
than 70% organic ingredients may only list the organic ingredients on
the ingredient panel
(rather than the primary panel). Non-organic ingredients and synthetic
substances normally allowed in conventional food and fiber production
are allowed in 31% or more of the content of products labeled using this
labeling category.
The USDA Organic Seal:
The "USDA Organic" seal may be used only on products that are "100% organic": and "organic" (meaning 95-99% organic ingredients and within the maximum 5% only using substances itemized on the National List (see above).[Insert image of USDA Seal]
What About Organic
Foods and Fibers Imported into the United States?
In addition to ensuring that domestically produced organic products have
met the standards, the USDA will oversee and enforce the entry of only
qualified organic food and fiber products into the United States, thus
ensuring all organic products sold within the United States meet the same
stringent standards.
This article was adapted
from the Horizon
Organic website.