The USDA Organic Seal is used voluntarily by producers whose products meet the federal requirements for "100 percent organic" or "Organic" for labeling to provide assurance of organic integrity. Find below a breakdown of how certain labeling terms are defined.
"100 Percent Organic"
Products must contain only organically produced ingredients, but may contain added water and salt. These products may use the green USDA Organic seal.
"Organic"
Products must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients. These products may also use the organic seal.
"Made with Organic Ingredients"
Products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients may use this phrase and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the primary display panel. The USDA Seal may not be used anywhere on the package.
"Free Range" or "Free Roaming"
Poultry must have been allowed outdoor access. Note that certain farmers will limit the space their poultry can roam.
"Natural"
Products must contain no artificial ingredients or added color, and should only be minimally processed (the raw form of the product cannot be fundamentally altered).
"No Hormones" (Pork or Poultry)
Hormones are not allowed at all in raising hogs and poultry, so this label can be misleading. It would be like saying that apples are now cholesterol-free. Therefore, the claim "no hormones added" cannot be used on the labels of these items unless it is followed by the line "Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones."
"No Hormones" (Beef)
Producers must provide documentation that says no hormones were used in the animal's lifetime.
"No Antibiotics" (Red Meat & Poultry)
Producers must provide documentation that says no antibiotics were used in the animal's lifetime.
Bonnie - I get questions all the time about labels. The aforementioned is a great reason why I always say to be an educated consumer. Priority number one is to read the labels. The second priority is to know what the labels mean!
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