Organic Food

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water. For instance, organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. In addition, organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.

Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government-approved certifier inspects the farm to make sure all the rules necessary to meet the national organic standards are followed. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must also be certified.

The National Organic Program (NOP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the federal agency governing organic food. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) requires the USDA to develop national standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers that products marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform standards. The OFPA and the NOP cover all aspects of food production, processing, delivery and retail sale in detail.

The NOP's regulations prohibit the use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge in organic production and handling. As a general rule, all natural substances are allowed in organic production and all synthetic substances are prohibited. The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances contains the specific exceptions to the rule.

Additional Resources:

• The NOP's Information for Consumers
• The NOP's Information on Understanding Organic
• The NOP's Information on Going Organic
• Answers to Questions on NOP Standards
• NOP Fact Sheets
• State Organic Programs (SOPs)
• File a Complaint about a Violation of the Organic Food Production Act
• The NOP's Compliance and Enforcement Division (C&E)
• Local Farmers Markets
• Food Inspection and Grading
• Food Labeling
• Foods Exempt from Federal Nutrition Labeling Requirements
• Food Recalls
• Food Safety