Organic food has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people opting for these products in an effort to eat healthier and support sustainable farming practices. When shopping for organic food, it’s important to understand what the labels mean and how to make informed choices.
One of the most important things to look for when shopping for organic food is the USDA organic seal. This seal indicates that the product has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as meeting strict organic standards. To be labeled as organic, a product must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and must meet other criteria such as using sustainable farming practices and avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
There are three categories of organic labels to be aware of:
1. 100% Organic: Products that are labeled as 100% organic contain only organic ingredients and have been produced using organic farming practices. These products will bear the USDA organic seal.
2. Organic: Products that are labeled as simply “organic” contain at least 95% organic ingredients and have also been produced using organic farming practices. These products will also bear the USDA organic seal.
3. Made with Organic Ingredients: Products that are labeled as “made with organic ingredients” contain at least 70% organic ingredients, with the remaining 30% meeting other criteria for being produced with sustainable practices. These products will not bear the USDA organic seal but may still be a good option for those looking to support organic farming.
When shopping for organic food, it’s also important to look for other certifications that indicate the product meets certain standards, such as the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, which indicates that a product does not contain genetically modified organisms.
In addition to looking for organic labels, it’s also important to consider other factors when choosing organic food. For example, consider shopping locally at farmers’ markets or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs to support local farmers and reduce the environmental impact of transporting food long distances. Consider purchasing organic products in season to support sustainable farming practices and reduce the environmental impact of out-of-season produce.
Overall, understanding organic food labels is important for making informed choices when shopping. By looking for the USDA organic seal and other certifications, as well as considering other factors such as shopping locally and in season, you can support sustainable farming practices and make healthier choices for yourself and the environment.