| "Organic" is today's buzz word for the | | | | organic ingredients but may still bear the USDA |
| health-conscious consumer, but what does the | | | | seal. If the label reads "made with organic |
| term really mean? Because many items make | | | | ingredients," then the item contains at least 75% |
| this claim, the US government regulates the use | | | | organic ingredients and cannot bear the USDA |
| of the term on food products. | | | | seal. If the label states "contains organic |
| Simply put, organic means that a food was | | | | ingredients," then the item contains less than 70% |
| produced without the use of pesticides, genetically | | | | organic ingredients and cannot bear the USDA |
| modified organisms, or synthetic hormones. This | | | | seal. |
| type of produce must be grown separately from | | | | These labels might seem confusing at first, but it |
| conventional produce using natural fertilizers and | | | | is important to remember that replacing any |
| natural insect control methods. Organic livestock | | | | conventional products with a more natural |
| must be fed all-natural grain and have access to | | | | alternative is a step in the right direction toward |
| the outdoors in order to qualify as organic meat. | | | | healthy eating. Organic food can be a wonderful |
| The same is true for the cows that produce | | | | way to reduce your exposure to pesticides and |
| organic dairy products. | | | | maintain overall wellbeing. |
| Among organic foods, there are several types of | | | | You will find that many more grocery stores now |
| classifications. If the label says "100 % organic," | | | | offer a special section for shoppers looking for |
| then the item must be completely organic and will | | | | products with this label. If yours does not yet |
| bear the USDA Organic seal. If the label only says | | | | offer the, ask the manager to think about doing |
| "organic," then it is made with at least 95% | | | | so. |