Organic/Eco Classifications
Graphic by Eco-Labels.org
We now know that not all organics are created equal, and so it’s important to get to know your local farmer, as well as to read the labels of products you pick up at the store. The USDA certifies products as:
100 percent organic: All ingredients are completely organic
Organic: 95 percent or more organic ingredients
Made with organic (specified ingredients or food group/s): 70-95 percent organic ingredients
If your product is made with less than 70 percent organic content, then it can only use the word “organic” to identify individual ingredients.
Of course, the USDA Organic label isn’t the only eco label we are inundated with. To decipher what a particular label means, visit Eco-Labels.org, which sorts a myriad labels by categories such as Organic, Pest Management, Social Responsibility, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Fishing, Sustainable Wood, and Animal Welfare. Simply type in the name of your label into the Web site’s search engine, or search by logo or product area. You can also click on “view label index” for a complete listing by category.
thissinglespark said,
September 14, 2006 at 2:00 pm
In case any of your other readers are Canadian, the CBC has a brief article explaining the state of organic regulations in Canada, which actually differs quite significantly from the US. Meaning, we have a long(er) way to go. Of course, half of what I buy originates in the US and has USDA labelling, so it’s good to know both.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/food-supply/certifying-organic.html
The Hip and Zen Pen said,
September 15, 2006 at 7:42 pm
Organic Labels and what they mean
Just wanted to quickly post to this Worsted Witch post that defines what “Organic” means and how it may be used on food labels. I can use all the help I an get keeping track of these things.
The Worsted Witch » The Organic Myth? said,
October 6, 2006 at 12:27 pm
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