The labeling of organic foods. Labeling standards are based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product. Below are explanations of the organic food labeling:
- "100 percent organic" must contain only organically produced ingredients.
- Products labeled "organic" must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients. (Products meeting the requirements for "100 percent organic" and "organic" may display the USDA Organic seal.) For the rest of the story on The labeling of organic foods
- Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase "made with organic ingredients" and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel. For example, soup made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients and only organic vegetables may be labeled either "made with organic peas, potatoes, and carrots," or "made with organic vegetables." The USDA Organic seal cannot be used anywhere on the package.
- Processed products that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients cannot use the term "organic" other than to identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced in the ingredients statement.
A civil penalty of up to $11,000 for each offense can be levied on any person who knowingly sells or labels as organic a product that is not produced and handled in accordance with the National Organic Program's regulations.
Have a wonderful week of a Healthier Way of Eating,