Organic Food Labeling: Cracking the Code.

Unless you have studied the USDA’s website, making sense of organic food labeling can be a challenge.  The label “100% organic” can be included on a package that contains only organically produced ingredients and processing aids.  The label “organic” can be included on a package where 95% of the ingredients are organically produced.  Up to 5% of non-organic ingredients including additives and synthetics on an approved list is permitted.  This list of 38 ingredients has created controversy among consumer groups; a non-organic sausage casing is an ingredient of particular notoriety.  Both packages labeled “100% organic” and “organic” can include the USDA organic seal.  If at least 70% of the ingredients are organic, the label “made with organic ingredients” can be used and the package can list up to three organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel.  The USDA organic seal cannot be included on the packaging, however. While foods labeled “all natural,” “free range,” or “hormone free” may be beneficial, they are not the same as “organic” or “100% organic.”  The word “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products.  Specifically, organic food is produced without chemicals, additives, pesticides or genetically engineered substances (with the exception of the approved list.)  For more information on organic food labeling, link to the USDA’s site, www.ams.usda.gov.