|
|
| |
click to magnify |
USDA - Organic
|
|
| |
| LABEL REPORT CARD |
| How meaningful is the label? |
Is the label verified? |
Is the meaning of the label consistent? |
Are the label standards publicly available? |
Is information about the organization publicly available? |
Is the organization free from conflict of interest? |
Was the label developed with broad public and industry input? |
Highly for food
Not for cosmetics |
Yes |
No1 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
1. The meaning of the organic labels is different for food than for cosmetics and personal care products.
|
|
| |
LABEL CATEGORY:
Organic, No Genetic Engineering |
| |
WHERE YOU'LL FIND THIS LABEL:
 FOOD
BEVERAGES
: coffee, orange juice, wine
BREAD
: bread
CANDY
: chocolate bars
CEREALS
: cereal
COCOA
: cocoa powder
DAIRY PRODUCTS
: cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt
FROZEN FOODS
: frozen food
FRUIT
: apples, bananas, berries - other, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, citrus, cranberries, currants, figs, grapes - table, juices, melons, most fruits, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, watermelon
GRAINS
: rice, soybean meal, wheat
MEAT
: beef, chicken, pork
NUTS
: chestnuts
OILS
: soybean oil
PROCESSED FOOD
: processed food
SNACKS
: granola bars, potato chips
SOUPS
: soup, tomato - soup
VEGETABLES
: artichokes, asparagus, basil, beans, beets, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, carrots (canned), cauliflower, cilantro, corn (canned), corn (fresh), cucumber, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, peas (canned), peppers - bell, peppers - hot, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, red chard, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squash, tomatoes, zucchini
|
| |
|
| |
WHAT THIS LABEL MEANS:
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a fixed set of standards that must be met by anyone using the "organic" label in the United States. These standards were issued in December, 2000, after a 10 year development process. Certifying organizations may not alter the USDA standards for organic certification in any way in order to comply with USDA organic regulations. Certifying organizations are required to maintain conflict of interest disclosures and recognize all other USDA accredited certifying organization’s decisions. Compliance with the standards is assured by USDA which accredits certifying organizations. To see a listing of these organizations, select the Organic Label Area in the navigation bar on your left
Standard Requirements for Organic Production
Fruits, Vegetables, Meat and Poultry
Most synthetic (and petroleum derived) pesticides and fertilizers, and all antibiotics, genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge, are prohibited for use in organic production. In addition, organic animals must eat 100% organic feed that does not contain any of the animal byproducts or growth hormones. Organic animals also must have access to the outdoors. Synthetic materials can only be used in organic production if they are reviewed for appropriateness by the National Organic Standards Board and placed on the National List. All materials on the National List will be retired after five years unless otherwise reviewed again and re-listed.
Originally, the USDA National Organic Program required that all substances used in organic production meet National Organic Program standards. The USDA has since narrowed the definition of substance to ingredient used in organic production. This means that a substance used in processing that may leave residues but that is not actually an ingredient in the final product does not have to have USDA approval.
Lingering Questions about Chickens and the Outdoor Access Requirements
The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 and the National Organic Program explicitly require that organic meat and meat products must come from animals that have been raised outdoors. However, the USDA has drawn a distinction between chickens and other animals. While ruminant animals are guaranteed continuous access to the outdoors without confinement, chickens are not guaranteed continuous outdoor access and can be confined. Click here to read more about this controversy.
Cosmetics and Other Products
On October 21, 2002 the USDA announced that the National Organic Program scope would extend beyond food to many other types of products. These products include pet foods, fabrics, cosmetics, body care products, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, fertilizers, soil amendments; and products from greenhouse, apiculture, and hydroponic systems. Organic labels on these products are not backed up by rigorous standards developed by the National Organic Standards Board in the same way the organic food product labels are.
Tiers of Organic Labeling
One may see one of three labels on an organic product, and they mean different things. The three labels are:
100% Organic
According to USDA’s national organic standard, products labeled as “100 percent organic” can only contain organically produced ingredients. Products containing 100% organic ingredients can display the USDA Organic logo and / or the certifying agent's logo.
Organic
To be labeled as "organic," 95% of the ingredients must be organically grown and the remaining 5% must come from non-organic ingredients that have been approved on the National List. These products can also display the USDA organic logo and/or the certifier’s logo.
Made With Organic Ingredients
Food products labeled as "made with organic ingredients" must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients, three of which must be listed on the back of the package and again, the remaining 30% of the non-organic ingredients must approved on the National List. These products may display the certifier’s logo but not the USDA organic logo.
The percentage level of organic ingredients determines what tier of organic labeling should be used. In food products, water and salt are not included calculation of the percentage of organic ingredients. However, for personal care products, water can be included in the organic weight of a product. Since water is usually one of the first three ingredients listed on personal care products, it is easier for personal care products to be organic than food.
Enforcement of these standards appears to be less rigorous on personal care products than on food products. According to the National Organic Program, any product that contains less than 70% organic ingredients is prohibited from being labeled organic. However CU has found the term "56% organic" on the front of organically labeled shampoo.
Links
National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture
Organic Materials Review Institute
Center for Food Safety
|
| |
CONSUMERS UNION EVALUATION:
How meaningful is the label?
The USDA organic label is considered to be highly meaningful labels on food. The standards set for food production are rigorous and add considerable value to conventional food production. While the organic label on poultry products, including eggs, is meaningful, USDA does not adequately define outdoor access for poultry. As a result, some poultry labeled as organic may not have true outdoor access. For example, USDA considers future plans to provide outdoor access as adequate in meeting the standard. Consumers should contact the certifier or producer to find out if and how outdoor access was provided. The USDA organic label is not meaningful on cosmetics and personal care products. While some agricultural based ingredients in these products may be certified as organic, many personal care products claiming to be organic also contain synthetic and petroleum derived ingredients that have not been reviewed by the National Organic Standards Board. While food labeled as organic must contain at least 70% organic ingredients (not including water), CU has noted many personal care products labeled as, for example, "56% organic."
Is the label verified?
Yes. A USDA-accredited certifier verifies that farmers and producers meet the standards set by the USDA National Organic Program. USDA does not verify products but does accredit all organic certifiers to be able to use the USDA organic label.
Is the meaning of the label consistent?
No. The meaning of USDA organic label is different for food than for cosmetics and personal care products.
Are the label standards publicly available?
Yes. The standards for the USDA National Organic Program are publicly available.
Is information about the organization publicly available?
Yes. The USDA makes information about funding and board of directors publicly available.
Is the organization free from conflict of interest?
Yes. USDA has explicitly prohibited organic certifiers from having conflict of interest.
Was the label developed with broad public and industry input?
Yes. The National Organic Program was developed with public and industry input and significant additions or changes to the program are required to have public comment.
|
| |
PROGRAM NAME:
Certified Organic - USDA |
| |
ORGANIZATION NAME AND CONTACT INFO:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington , DC
20250
Phone: (202) 720-5115
URL: www.ams.usda.gov/nop
Email Contact: AgSec@usda.gov
|
| |
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
HISTORY
The National Organic Program was established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the Organic Foods Protection Act passed by Congress in 1990. The USDA National Organic Program was implemented October 21, 2002. All organic programs must now certify that food products follow USDA's National Organic Program.
FUNDING
The US Department of Agriculture is an agency of the US government and does not receive external funds.
STRUCTURE
The US Secretary of Agriculture makes the final decisions regarding the National Organic Program management and standards. The National Organic Standards Board is authorized to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of the Act. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the activities of the Board. The National Organic Standards Board includes 4 organic farmers, 1 retailer, 2 organic handlers, 3 environmentalists, 3 consumers, 1 scientist and 1 certifying agent and is listed below. Each board member serves a five year term.
ACCREDITOR
The USDA accredits certifying organizations that certify US organic food. These organizations are required to maintain and submit records to USDA annually.
|
| |
LABEL STANDARDS AND CRITERIA DETAIL:
Click here for more information on the standards behind the USDA's National Organic Program. |
| |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Since this is a government organization, there is no board of directors. The National Organic Standards Board is appointed by the USDA Secretary for a five year term to provide advice regarding the National Organic Program. The NOSB members are listed below with their term year.
Gerald A. Davis - Arvin, CA (2010) – Farmer/Grower
Rigoberto I. Delgado - Houston, TX (2010) - Farmer/Grower
Kevin Engelbert - Nichols, NY (2011) – Farmer/Grower
Jeffrey Moyer - Lenharstville, PA (2011) – Farmer/Grower
Steve DeMuri - Carmichael, CA (2012) – Handler/Processor
Julie S. Weisman - Tenafly, NJ (2010) - Handler/Processor
Bea E. James - Golden Valley, MN (2010) - Retailer
Daniel Giacomini - Middletown, CA (2011) - Consumer/Public Interest
Jennifer Hall - Seattle, WA (2011) - Consumer/Public Interest
Tracy Miedema - Philomath, OR (2012) - Consumer/Public Interest
Andrea Caroe - San Diego, CA (2008) - Environmentalist (Board Chairperson)
Hubert J. Karreman - Quarryville, PA (2010) - Environmentalist
Christine Ellor - Kennett Square, PA (2012) - Environmentalist
Katrina Heinze- Plymouth, MN (2012) - Scientist
Joseph Smilie - South Burlington, VT (2011) – Certifying Agent
|
|
|
