Shopping for Certified Organic Products - Defining the Labels

Do you need help understanding what terms such as certified organic mean for you and your baby? Shopping for organics can be confusing if you don't know what the labels mean.

They all sound good, right?

Made with organic ingredients, natural, hypoallergenic, no growth hormones...

However, the only labels that are regulated are those that contain the word organic.

Furthermore, the standards for organics can vary depending on the type of product and the geographic location where the product is manufactured and sold. Click here for certification information outside of the U.S.

What does organic mean?

Throughout this website, organic is the absence of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, and fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge.

Products that achieve organic certification from a governing body, such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), undergo the following requirements:

1. The farmland has been free from chemicals for a number of years (usually three or more)
   
   
2. Farmers undergo periodic site inspections
   
   
3. Farmers keep detailed production and sales records
   
   
4. Producers observe strict separation guidelines to keep organic and non-certified product separate.
   
   The primary purpose for this certification is to protect consumers from misuse of the term organic and to make organic shopping easier.

Understanding Food Labels

Here are some basic terms that should help clarify food labeling for you:

Single ingredient foods such as eggs or milk bear the official USDA seal of approval.

Multi-ingredient foods use the following classification system:

100% Organic - Foods with this label are made with 100% organic ingredients and may display the USDA seal. Salt and water are not included.

Organic - These products contain at least 95 - 99% organic ingredients (by weight). The remaining ingredients are not available organically but have been approved by the National Organics Program. These products may display the USDA Organic seal.

Made With Organic Ingredients - Food with this label must contain 70 - 94% organic ingredients. These products will not bear the USDA Organic seal; instead, they may list up to three organic ingredients on the front of the packaging.

Other - Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may only list organic ingredients on the information panel of the packaging. These products will not bear the USDA Organic seal.

Organic.org helped us define these terms. They also note that there is an expense associated with certification and that's its voluntary. If you shop at a farmers market or co-op, smaller farmers may not have the seal so you should ask about their farming process.

Natural - Products with the term natural are unregulated and no proof of the claim is required.

Certified Organic Skin Care

According to the the Organic Consumers Association, the use of the term organic in body and skin care products is not as closely regulated as it is on food. So read labels carefully when choosing the baby's toilette. Certified skin care should bear the organic seal on the packaging.

Certified Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is the most popular organic fiber grown and is used to make certified organic baby apparel, bedding and diapers. You may not see the seal on organic apparel. Instead it may say 100 percent certified organic cotton.

Farmers of certified organic cotton are subject to the same standards as other crop growers in the US. They must avoid the use of toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizers on their land.

Conventional cotton producers in the US use nearly $3 billion worth of pesticides each year. The pesticides deplete the land of nutrients and require more potent chemicals to keep the land producing.

The pesticides not only irritate your baby's skin, but many are also known carcinogens.

The Global Perspective on Organic Shopping
If you live outside of the U.S. the standards for organic certification differ. Here are some resources to help you find out the criteria for organic baby products in your region.

Why Choose Organic Cotton?
Have you ever wondered why you should choose organic cotton? Gain insight from leading experts in textiles and agriculture.

The Benefits of Organic Food
Do you know organic food is a healthier choice for your baby? This article explains why.

Ingredients to Avoid in Organic Skin Care Products
Do you know what chemicals are in your baby's skin care? Find out more about the ingredients you don't want in your baby's toilette.

Organic Baby Clothing: A Healthier Choice
Discover the many advantages organic baby clothing has over conventional cotton clothing.

Choosing Organic Cotton Baby Clothing
Here are some tips on shopping for certified organic cotton clothing for your baby.