Topic Overview

Image of the organic-food seal adapted from the USDA National Organic Program. Available online: http://www.ams.usda.gov/

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed labeling rules for organic foods. A seal and the word "organic" can be displayed on organic foods. This use is voluntary, so some organic foods may not be labeled as such.

Single-ingredient foods. The word "organic" and the seal may appear on fruits and vegetables and on packages of meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese, and other single-ingredient foods that are grown or raised organically.

Multi-ingredient foods. All ingredients or some of the ingredients in a food may be organic. Look for the following:

• If all ingredients are organic, the seal and "100% organic" are displayed.
• If 95% to 100% of the ingredients are organic, the seal and "organic" are displayed. Any remaining ingredients must consist of approved nonagricultural substances or nonorganically produced agricultural products.
• If at least 70% of the ingredients are organic, the seal is not displayed, but the package may say "made with organic ingredients."
• If less than 70% of the ingredients are organic, no organic claims can be made, but specific organically produced ingredients may be listed on the side panel of the package.