USDA Organic
Definition
A certification from the United States Department of Agriculture requiring that at least 95% of a product's ingredients are produced without synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, GMOs, antibiotics, growth hormones, irradiation, or sewage sludge. Products labeled '100% Organic' must contain only organic ingredients.
Why It Matters
The USDA Organic seal is one of the most meaningful certifications in the food industry because it is government-regulated and third-party audited. Organic produce has been shown to have significantly lower pesticide residue levels. However, 'organic' does not mean pesticide-free — organic farming allows specific approved natural pesticides. Also, organic junk food (organic cookies, organic chips) is still ultra-processed junk food.
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Related Terms
Non-GMO Project Verified
SafeA third-party certification from the Non-GMO Project confirming that a product has been produced according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance, including testing of high-risk ingredients. The threshold for GMO contamination is 0.9% or less.
Whole30 Approved
SafeA certification indicating a product complies with the Whole30 elimination diet program — free from added sugar (including artificial sweeteners), alcohol, grains, legumes (including soy and peanuts), dairy, carrageenan, MSG, and sulfites.