Sign of the times - goodnews - labeling of organic foods - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, Sept, 2003

Any day now, shoppers are likely to notice a new symbol on their organic groceries. Although final regulations were approved in October 1992, manufacturers have been slow to take advantage of the new organic seal.

Products have to be certified by private or government agencies to be labeled as organic. After a farm files a plan to become organically certified, an agency accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reviews the plan and completes an annual onsite evaluation.

There are three categories of organic foods:

* Products that contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients can be labeled "100 percent organic" and can carry the USDA's new organic logo.

* Products containing at least 95 percent organic materials--but not including synthetic hormones, pesticides, chemicals or genetically modified ingredients--can also carry the organic symbol.

* Products that contain at least 70 percent organic material can claim to be "made with organic ingredient"; the organic ingredients must be specified on the ingredients label.