How to Know What Organic Food Means

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, including meat and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and grains. To receive the US Department of Agriculture seal and be certified organic, food must consist of at least 95 percent organic ingredients and be grown and processed according to USDA National Organic Program Standards. Foods that have at least 70 percent of organic ingredients can be labeled "Made with Organic Ingredients."

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Organic crops are not treated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

2. Animals on organic farms are not given hormones, drugs or antibiotics to promote more rapid growth.

3. If a product carries the USDA organic seal, you know that the product does not contain any additives such as hydrogenated fat, artificial sweetener and monosodium glutamate.

4. The label "natural" or "all natural" is meaningless. There is no standard definition for these terms, and they do not connote that the food has any organic ingredients.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no conclusive evidence that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food.
• Organic farming practices benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving soil and water.
• Most organic foods are more expensive than conventionally grown foods.

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