If a vendor wishes to claim a product is "100% Organic"
Excluding any salt or water the product must contain 100% organically produced ingredients. The product may not contain any added nitrates, nitrites or sulfites. Ionizing radiation may not be used in the production or packaging process.
Product labeling must
  • Identify all ingredients in the product if the product is multi-ingredient.
  • Below the name and address of the manufacturer, processor, importer or distributer show the statment:

    "Certified organic by ___________" followed by the name of the Certifying Agent.

    A seal representing the agent does not satisfy this requirement.
Product labeling may
  • Use the term phrase "100% organic" to modify the product name.
  • Use the term "organic" in identifying the organic ingredients. Any water or salt included as ingredients may not be identified as organic.
  • Show the USDA organic seal.
  • Show the certifying agent's address and/or telephone number.




If a vendor wishes to claim a product is "Organic"
Not counting any added salt or water the product must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. The product may not contain any added nitrates, nitrites or sulfites. Ionizing radiation may not be used in the production or packaging process.

The product may contain up to 5% non-organically produced agricultural ingredients which are not commercially available in organic form; and/or other substances allowed by 7 CFR 205.605.
Product labeling must
  • Show an ingredient statement.
  • List organic ingredients as "organic" when other organic labeling is shown. Water and salt used as ingredients must not be identified as organic.
  • Below the name and address of the manufacturer, processor, importer or distributer show the statment:

    "Certified organic by ___________" followed by the name of the Certifying Agent.

    A seal representing the agent does not satisfy this requirement.
Product labeling may
  • Use the phrase "organic" to modify the product name.
  • Use the phrasing "X% organic" or "X% organic ingredients."
  • Show the USDA organic seal.
  • Show the certifying agent's address and/or telephone number.




If a vendor wishes to claim a product is "Made with Organic Ingredients" or make a similar claim
Not counting any added salt or water the product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. The product may not contain any added sulfites. Ionizing radiation may not be used in the production or packaging process. Wine; however, may contain added sulfur dioxide in accordance with 7 CFR 205.605.

The product may contain up to 30% non-organically produced agricultural ingredients; and/or other substances, including yeast, allowed by 7 CFR 205.605.
Product labeling must
  • Show an ingredient statement.
  • List organic ingredients as "organic" when other organic labeling is shown. Water and salt used as ingredients must not be identified as organic.
  • Below the name and address of the manufacturer, processor, importer or distributer show the statment:

    "Certified organic by ___________" followed by the name of the Certifying Agent.

    A seal representing the agent does not satisfy this requirement.
Product labeling may
  • Use the description "Made with organic..." (specifying food groups and/or ingredients).
  • Use the phrasing "X% organic" or "X% organic ingredients."
  • Show the USDA organic seal.
  • Show the certifying agent's address and/or telephone number.
Product labeling must not Product labeling must not make use of the USDA Organic seal.




If a vendor wishes to claim a product has some organic ingredients
Not counting any added salt or water the product may contain less than 70% organic ingredients.

The product may contain over 30% non-organically producted agricultural ingredients; and/or other substances, without being limited to those listed in 7 CFR 205.605
Product labeling must
  • Show an ingredient statement when the word organic is used.
  • Identify organic ingredients as "organic" in the ingredient statement when a % organic is displayed. Any water and salt included as ingredients must not be identified as organic.
Product labeling may
  • Ingredients statement may show the organic status of ingredients in the product.
  • Use the statement "X% organic ingredients" when organically produced ingredients are identified in the ingredients statement.
Product labeling must not
  • Must not use any other reference to organic contents.
  • Must not use the USDA Organic seal.
  • Must not use a seal representing the certifying agent.


  1. Labeling requirements as of January 2003, source United States Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Marketing Service http://www.ams.usda.gov/.
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The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases or illnesses. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition, consult your naturopathic physician. Consult your naturopathic physician or other qualified health care professional before making changes in diet or lifestyle.

© 2006 Colleen Huber unless otherwise noted.
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