Todd What is an organic deal? It sounds like a simple question, but the answer is not as straight forward as it seems. The Food and Drug Administration does not define or regulate organic products. The USDA is the department of the government that certifies organic products. The USDA has a very confusing definition of organic.
“Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. These methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.”
Merriam-Webster has a simple definition of organic.
“relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides”
What does that mean? That means that for a product to be labeled organic in the United States, it must be non-GMO, not be irradiated, and avoid synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, additives, and stimulants. The USDA has a great PDF that lists the specific standards required for crops, livestock, and handling required.
Organic Label
Now that we know what organic means, it should be simple to know what an organic deal is. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Just because a product has the USDA organic seal and the word “organic” on the packaging does not mean that the product is completely organic.
Products in the USA can use the word “organic” if they are certified by the USDA under one of three criteria: 100% organic, organic, “made with” organic.
The USDA Definitions
100% Organic
-All ingredients must be certified organic.
-Any processing aids must be organic.
-Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
Organic
-All agricultural ingredients must be certified organic, except where specified on National List.
– Non-organic ingredients allowed per National List may be used, up to a combined total of five percent of non-organic content (excluding salt and water).
– Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
“Made With” Organic
At least 70 percent of the product must be certified organic ingredients (excluding salt and water).
– Any remaining agricultural products are not required to be organically produced but must be produced without excluded methods (see page 1).
– Non-agricultural products must be specifically allowed on the National List.
– Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
We try to find the best organic deals on the market. The USDA rules around using the word “organic” make it hard to determine exactly how organic a product that is labeled an organic deal is. We recommend checking every product that is labeled organic to make sure it really is organic and complies with USDA’s organic labeling criteria.
