Organic Labels-What's Really Behind the Wrapper

The demand for organic food is growing, and consumers are scooping up organic foods like never before. Be sure what you’re buying is worth the extra money.

Look for the USDA organic seal on raw, fresh products and processed products that contain organic agricultural ingredients. Or it may appear on a sign above an organic produce display. 

On multi-ingredient products, the seal is usually placed on the front of the package, however, it may be placed anywhere on the package. When you see this seal, you know the product is at least 95 percent organic. 

The seal may be printed in green and brown (as shown), in black and white, or outlined in black on a transparent background.

Organic Terminology
When buying organic, look for the following USDA regulated terms on food labels:

• "100% organic" -- This means the food has no synthetic ingredients and can use the organic seal.
• "Organic" -- This means the food has a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. It can also use the organic seal.
• “Made with organic ingredients" -- This means the food must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. These foods cannot use the seal.
• Meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy labeled "organic" must come from animals that, among other things, have never received antibiotics or growth hormones.