Does Your Family Know The Definition Of Organic?

When we set out to better our family, we thought we knew the definition of organic. We discovered that we had a lot to learn.

For example, we thought natural and organic are the same. Wrong!

According to the USDA website, “natural” is: A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled natural.

This definition of “natural” is straight forward any easy to understand.

But like so many other confusing government explanations, the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) definition of organic is: “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; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; 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.”

That’s a mouthful!

Simply stated, the definition of organic is: produce and other ingredients which are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals which are not injected with antibiotics or growth hormones.

What is USDA Certification?

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop certain standards to assure shoppers that foods marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform growing and production guidelines.

So when you purchase organic products make sure you look for the USDA Organic logo to be sure it’s certified organic.

For a product to be certified, it must meet the following criteria:

All producers of organic food, livestock, fiber crops and handlers or organic products must be certified. (except growers who gross less than $5000 and retailers)

Growers and handlers submit an Organic Farm Plan or an Organic Handling Plan, to a USDA accredited certifying agent detailing their growing and handling methods.

On-site inspections are conducted by certifying agents to verify submitted plans.

Methods and materials used in production must meet standards set in the new regulations.

Clear documentation of methods and materials must be kept

There must be a paper trail tracing of a product back to its production site enabling verification of production methods and materials.

The USDA has identified three categories of labeling organic products:

Products labeled “100% Organic” and carrying the USDA Organic seal are just that – they contain 100% organically produced ingredients.

Products that are made from at least 95% organic ingredients, and have remaining ingredients that are approved for use in organic products may also carry the USDA Organic seal.

Products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients with strict restrictions on the remaining 30% include no GMO’s (genetically modified organisms), irradiated or produced using sewer sludge. They must have an accredited certifier, but cannot use any organic seal. These producers and processors may list organically produced ingredients on the side panel of the package, but may not make any organic claims on the front of the package.