The key to successfully identifying organic food is to locate the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certification label on the item you are purchasing. This label guarantees that the product is organic and has been produced and handled as outlined by the specific national standards provided to farmers and other organizations directly involved in food handling. As of October 2002, in an effort to establish a standard for the definition of organic food, the USDA organic seal required that a product is a least 95% organic. This means that to receive the organic label, organic food must be free from the chemicals and bio-engineering that is standard in conventional food production. The integrity of the program relies on the farmers and food handlers’ conscientious effort to produce quality meats, poultry, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables in harmony with our environment. Farmers caught using the USDA seal while knowingly violating the standards can be fined up to 10,000 for each offense.
The definition of organic food clearly states that products labeled “USDA Organic” are guaranteed under the guidelines of the Organic Foods Production Act to be produced without the use of conventional fertilizers and pesticides and other environmentally unfriendly methods. The integrity of the program relies on the farmers and food handlers’ conscientious effort to produce quality meats, poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables in harmony with our environment.
Organic Versus Natural - Definition Of Organic Food
It is important to note that the definition of natural food and definition of organic food is not the same thing. If something says “natural” it does not mean that the product has been produced in accordance with the “organic” specifications. The uses of terms such as natural, hormone-free and free-range do not guarantee that the product is “organic.” It is only when you see the USDA organic stamp that you know the product has met the USDA organic standards.
How To Identify Organic Food
Today, the fastest way to identify organic food is to look for the “USDA Organic” food label. This label assures the consumer that the product is organic and has undergone an inspection by an authorized expert. The definition of organic food, as defined by the USDA, is that the product must be 95% or more organic. There are many strict guidelines that are outlined for the farmers and food handlers to following when growing, preparing and processing the food products.
Benefits Of Organic Food
The environmentally friendly practices involved in growing organic food products enhances the overall health of our planet; our soil, plants, animals and people all benefit from our decision to “go organic”. Certified Organic guarantees that the product has been inspected by a private certification organization or non-profit agency that is approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The inspector evaluates and verifies that tall products labeled organic meet the definitions established by the USDA organic standards. It is important to note that the definition of organic food is specific to how the food product is grown, processed and handled prior to its’ delivery to the consumer.
