Organic Labels: What Do They Mean?

By Kimberly Lord Stewart
September/October 2004
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USDA Organic seal
Photo Courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Organic Program
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Grocery aisles are packed with attention-grabbing food labels, yet only a handful certify how a product was raised or grown. Here’s a list of the most credible labels to help you buy wisely.
 
USDA Organic 
Certified by accredited agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program
 
Definition: Grown without the use of pesticides, hormones or antibiotics. Farming techniques simulate natural growing environments and include environmentally gentle pest control, livestock feed free of animal proteins, and no petroleum-based fertilizers.
 
Fine Print: Products labeled "100 percent organic" must be made from only organic ingredients; the term "organic" is for food containing 95 percent organic ingredients. Both may carry the organic seal. Foods with less than 70 percent organic ingredients may list the contents as organic but may not display the symbol.
 
Where to Find It: USDA-certified fresh produce, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, dairy, eggs, and processed foods are available in conventional and natural products grocery stores.
 
Certified Naturally Grown
Nonprofit alternative eco-label program for small organic farms that are not part of the USDA Certified Organic program.
 
Definition: Follows the same certification guidelines as the USDA and is just as trustworthy. CNG is far less expensive than USDA certification, so small-budget farmers can afford it.
 
Fine Print: In addition to adhering to USDA rules, CNG randomly tests 10 percent of its members' products for pesticide residue to ensure the program's integrity.
 
Where to Find It: Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold at local CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), farmer's markets, co-ops, small groceries, and restaurants that support local farmers.
 
Free Farmed Certified 
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