Is organic the same as “natural"?

What are organic foods?

Organic foods are foods that are grown and processed using government-regulated farming methods. Organic farming and foods use:

• No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides (with exceptions).
• No antibiotics or growth hormones for livestock.
• No genetically modified ingredients.
• No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
• No sewage sludge.
• No radiation on their foods.

Organic food is not necessarily pesticide free. Natural pesticides may be used in the production of organic foods.

Is organic the same as “natural"?

No. The term “organic” refers to how food is processed in addition to the food itself. Currently there is no formal definition for the use of “natural” on food labels has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Food manufactures may use this term when food is free of synthetic preservatives and artificial sweeteners, additives, colors and flavors. Natural also can mean that meats are from livestock that weren’t given growth hormones or antibiotics, and that produce wasn’t grown with pesticides or other synthetic crops enhancers.

The only government-regulated use of the term “natural” involves meat and poultry. Meat labeled “natural” may contain no artificial ingredient or added color and be only minimally processed. The label must explain the use of the term.

How do you know if a food is organic?

All foods labeled “USDA Organic” must meet standards set by the USDA. The USDA evaluates how food is grown, processed and handled. If a food meets these standards it may be labeled USDA Organic.

Small food producers who sell less than $5,000 per year may also call themselves organic if they meet these standards. However, they don’t have to go through the certification process (but can’t label their food as USDA Organic).

What does “certified organic” mean?

To be certified USDA Organic, farms and food producers must meet certain standards. Only products that contain at least 95% organic ingredients can be certified organic and display the USDA seal. There are different certification levels of “organic.” These are:

• 100% organic. “100% organic” can be used to label any product that contains 100% organic ingredients (excluding salt and water, which are considered natural). Most raw, unprocessed farm products are “100% organic.” Many grains, oats and flours can also be labeled “100% organic.”
• Organic. “Organic” can be used to label any product that contains a minimum of 95% organic ingredients (excluding salt and water). Up to 5% of the ingredients may be nonorganic agricultural products that are not available as organic.
• Made with organic. “Made with organic” can be used to label a product that contains at least 70% organically produced ingredients (excluding salt and water). The non-organic portion must also follow USDA guidelines. These products cannot be labeled USDA Organic.
• Specific ingredient listings. The specific organic ingredients may be listed in the ingredient statement of products containing less than 70% organic contents. These products cannot be labeled USDA Organic.

Certified organic farms and food processors must be recertified every year. A farm cannot be certified organic until 36 months have passed since any prohibited substances were used on the land.