Other issues of Nutrition Advisor

Manic for organic

Confused by the growing aisles of organic products in your hometown grocery store? With increasing consumer interest for these products and booming sales reaching over 7.8 billion dollars in 2000, this trend is sure to stay. But what does the term “organic” really mean?

Generally, the difference between organic and conventional foods is the way the products are grown, handled and processed. Organic foods are produced without using pesticides, bio-engineering, ionizing radiation or chemicals (including growth hormones or antibiotics for animal food sources). An organic food has not been chemically or genetically altered in any way during growth, handling or processing. But can just any food be labeled organic? Up until recently, there was really no way to monitor this market, but now the rules have changed.

What's the deal with the seal?

Before October 21, 2002, there was no agreed upon definition for “organic.” Food packages claimed to contain organic foods, but how did the consumer know what that really meant? It was certainly a source of confusion and may have given a false interpretation of what was actually in the package. This past October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) established a standard definition for "organic" and national standards for labeling these foods. This way, consumers can now be assured that foods labeled "organic," whether produced in the United States or in other countries, are produced using the highest standards in the world.

In order for a product to display an organic seal or contain the word “organic,” it must be certified by a USDA-approved certifying agency. Anyone who attempts to sell or label an uncertified product with the word "organic" or the USDA seal can be fined up to $10,000!

New labeling guidelines

“100 percent organic”
Product must contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients. These labels may use the term "100 percent organic" and may display the USDA organic seal.

“Organic”
Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. The other 5% of the ingredients must consist of ingredients that are not available in organic form. These labels may display the word "organic" and the USDA seal.

“Made with organic ingredients”
Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. The label must show an ingredient statement listing organic ingredients. These labels may not display the USDA organic seal.

“Some organic ingredients”
May contain less than 70% organic ingredients. The word "organic" may not appear on the main packaging panel. Organic ingredients may be listed with the ingredients. These labels may not display the USDA organic seal.

If you choose to use organic products, look for the USDA seal. You can be sure that what you see on the label is inside the package as well.

The Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor is created by registered dietitians and dietetic interns who staff the Nutrition Clinic at Yale-New Haven Hospital. For information, contact the Nutrition InfoLine at (203) 688-2422.

For more information on this topic, you could visit:

• National Organic Program, USDA

Other issues addressed by Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor:

• Beta carotene
• Shellfish & cholesterol
• Sorting through nutrition information
• Summer fruit sensations
• Make it fun in the sun (outdoor food safety tips)
• Eat any sugar alcohol lately?
• Creating a garden rich in antioxidants
• Food safety in the kitchen
• Chocolate
• The soy story
• Cheese can be a healthy addition to your diet
• Control your blood pressure
• Candy and healthy treats

Last revised: March 10, 2005 (jj)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.