Know Your Organic Labels!
Organic. You see that word everywhere, but it can be hard to know what it really means, and how to be sure you're getting what you think you're getting!
The word organic refers to the way farmers grow, handle and process the foods we eat. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease.
For example, rather than using chemical weed killers, organic farmers rotate crops and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay. If you see the label "Certified Organic" on a product, it has been inspected and approved by the government as organic.
You'll find specific labeling categories when looking for organic products in stores and markets:
- 100 percent Organic: All of the product's content is certified organic. These products may display the USDA Organic seal on the label.
- Organic: At least 95 percent of the product's content is certified organic. These products may also display the USDA Organic seal on the label. These products contain some minor ingredients that are not certified organic, such as minerals and vitamins.
- Made with Organic Ingredients: At least 70 percent of the product's content is certified organic. Up to three ingredients can be listed on the label with the phrase "made with organic."
- Organic Ingredients: Products containing less than 70 percent organic content may only identify the organic ingredients in the ingredient listing on the label.
Organic is a specific term. The government, however, doesn't regulate the phrase "all natural." While most of us generally consider "all natural" to mean that no chemicals are added, there are no rules that govern how the term is used.
Published 09/07/07
