Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Definition of Organic?

To be declared 100% ORGANIC according the National Organic Program (NOP), a product:

Must be made from 100% organically produced ingredients, excluding water and salt.
"100% Organic" may be displayed on the PDP (principal display panel), and the USDA organic seal may be used.
Certification states "100% Organic".
Cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing irradiation.
Only those items that do not undergo any kind of physical processing steps can be put in the 100% organic category
"Excluded methods" indicates no GMOs. "Other restrictions" usually refers to the prohibition of most synthetic substances.

To be declared ORGANIC according the National Organic Program (NOP), a product:

Must be at least 95% organically produced ingredients, excluding water and salt.
Any remaining ingredients must be non-organic substances listed as approved on the National List or agricultural ingredients that are not available in organic form.
"Organic" may be displayed on the PDP (principal display panel), and the USDA seal may be used.
Certification states "Organic".
Cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing irradiation.

To declare MADE WITH ORGANIC according the National Organic Program (NOP), a product:

Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
Can use the phrase "made with organic ingredients" and may list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the PDP (principal display panel). - The percent organic and certifying agent's seal can be used on the PDP, but the USDA logo may not be used anywhere on the package.
Certification states "made with".
Cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing irradiation.
Additional restrictions apply to non-organic ingredients.

NO DESIGNATION - Less than 70% Organic: