The average consumer may find it difficult to understand marketing claims and food labels. To differentiate their products in the marketplace, companies use production and handling claims. Organic is a common term, but consumers can make informed decisions by understanding what organic means.
USDA organic products must meet strict labeling and production standards. The National Organic Program regulates the U.S. Organic Industry, which is part of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Organic products are those which have been certified organic without the use of genetic engineering or genetically modified animals (GMOs). Organic standards allow organic farming to use natural substances while excluding synthetic substances.
There are four types certified organic foods and Certified Organic Raw Materials: Organic and 100% Organic. Made with Organic and Specific Organic Ingredients. Organic livestock feed also requires labeling. Today we will discuss the “Made with organic”.
If they are in the “Made with organic”, category, multi-ingredient products need to be certified organic. These products can contain up to 30% of permitted non-organic substances. GMOs must be avoided in all ingredients, even those that are 30% organic.
These requirements can be satisfied if the product’s labels include a statement such as “Made with Organic Oats, Cranberries” or a more general statement such “Made from Organic Ingredients”.
It must be true if an ingredient is listed in the “Made using Organic” statement. Only organic products can be used. All corn-based ingredients including blue corn and corn oil must be organically certified.
USDA organic regulations include a list of food types. All ingredients must be certified organic regardless of whether they were processed or raw. If a product says, “Made from organic grains”, it must include all ingredients made from corn oil and enriched wheat flour. It must indicate clearly whether the product contains organic or non-organic versions.
Products that are not “made with organic” cannot have the USDA organic seal. They must also identify USDA-accredited certificate agents. The label can be used to verify that USDA organic standards have been met. USDA certifying agencies have been accredited and are responsible for ensuring USDA organic products meet or exceed organic standards.
To ensure consistency in the labeling practices within organic industry, the NOP issued the final guidance regarding organic specialty products certification. Organic products must preserve their organic integrity from farm to table. USDA is committed to meeting these standards. The organic label is trusted by consumers.
To differentiate their products in the marketplace, companies use production and handling claims. Organic is a common term, but consumers can make informed decisions by understanding what organic means.
Organic products can be described as those that have been certified organic without using genetic engineering or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic standards allow organic agriculture to use natural substances and exclude synthetic substances.
The USDA organic seal cannot be applied to products that aren’t “made with organic”. They must also indicate USDA-accredited certificate agencies. This label can be used as a way to confirm that USDA organic standards were met. USDA certifying agencies are accredited by the USDA and responsible for ensuring that USDA organic products meet or exceed organic standards.
