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America's Premier Certified Organic Distributor®
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"To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal
is our only legitimate hope of survival" - Wendell Berry
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Labeling Guidelines
Under The USDA's National Organic Program
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These regulated labels
began appearing on your grocer's shelves in October 2002.
- 100% Organic:
These foods must contain, excluding water and salt, only organically produced
ingredients. The USDA seal can be used on these packages.
- Organic:
These foods must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced
ingredients, excluding water and salt. The USDA seal can be used on these
packages.
- Made with organic ingredients:
Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use
this phrase and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on
the principal display panel. The USDA seal cannot be used on these packages,
but the percentage of organic content and the certifier's seal or mark may be
used. The nonorganic ingredients (30 percent or less) may not be genetically
engineered or include other prohibited methods such as irradiation or
fertilization with sewage sludge. Products made with less than 70 percent
organic ingredients can only identify organic ingredients in the ingredient
statement and cannot use the USDA organic seal or a certifier's seal or mark.
- Transitional:
The "transitional organic" label is not allowed under the national organic rule
at this time. In the past, this label has been used to signify that a farmer is
using organic methods but hasn't reached the three-year pesticide-free
requirement. Under the new rule, however, the USDA is not allowing it. Some
organic advocates support a transitional label, saying it can help farmers make
the switch to organic methods by offering them access to a premium market, and
are asking the USDA to reconsider this portion of the labeling guidelines.
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