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Organic Regulations In The United States

Organic regulations in the United States are managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In order for a product to be labeled as “organic,” it must meet certain production and labeling standards set forth by the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP).

USDA’s National Organic Program Standards

The NOP’s standards for organic production include requirements for soil and water quality, pest and weed management, and the use of seeds and other inputs. In addition, organic farmers are prohibited from using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and irradiation to produce their crops.

Organic livestock must be raised without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics and must be provided with access to the outdoors. Organic dairy cows must be fed organic feed, and organic eggs must come from hens that are fed organic feed and have access to the outdoors.

USDA Organic Labeling Standards

In order for a product to be labeled as “organic,” it must meet the NOP’s production standards and be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent.

  • Products that are labeled as “100% organic” must contain only organic ingredients, while products labeled as “organic” must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
  • Products that contain between 70% and 95% organic ingredients may be labeled as “made with organic ingredients.”
Source: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/OrganicLabelsExplained.png

This is one reason why it’s so important to look at product labeling prior to purchasing. Not all “organic” is created the same. The current gold standard is 100% organic with the USDA Organic Seal shown below. If you opt for something that says organic but doesn’t have the seal, you may unknowingly be exposed to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers which can negatively impact your health.

In addition to the production and labeling standards, the NOP also sets forth strict rules for the handling and processing of organic products to ensure that they maintain their organic integrity.

USDA Organic Seal

The USDA Organic Seal can be displayed on products that are certified organic, and the USDA maintains a database of certified organic operations that consumers can use to verify the organic status of a product.

Conclusion

In summary, the regulations behind the word “organic” in the United States are set forth by the USDA’s National Organic Program, which establishes strict standards for the production, labeling, and handling of organic products. These regulations ensure that organic products meet a high level of quality and integrity, and that consumers can trust that products labeled as “organic” are truly organic. Unfortunately, it is still up to the consumer to understand the differences between organic labeling.

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