Understanding the Criteria for Organic Products

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, global organic food sales exceeded $100 billion in 2020, highlighting consumer interest in how their food is produced. Understanding the criteria for organic products can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions based on transparent and sustainable practices.

Quick Summary

This article details the comprehensive criteria for organic products, covering agricultural production, processing, handling, and certification standards. It explores what is prohibited in organic production and explains the different labeling categories for consumers.

Key Points

No Synthetic Inputs: Organic products are grown and processed without the use of most synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives.
Strict Certification Process: Third-party certifying agents verify that all organic production and handling processes comply with national standards.
GMOs Prohibited: The use of genetically modified organisms is strictly forbidden in organic farming and processing.
Humane Animal Treatment: Organic livestock must be raised with access to the outdoors, fed organic feed, and never treated with antibiotics or growth hormones.
Clear Labeling Tiers: Different labels, such as “100% Organic” and “Made with Organic Ingredients,” indicate the percentage of organic content.
Traceability from Farm to Shelf: A comprehensive record-keeping system ensures the organic integrity of products from their origin to the consumer.

What are the criteria for organic products?

To earn the coveted 'organic' label, products must meet a stringent set of criteria covering every stage of production, from the initial farming of crops and raising of livestock to the final processing and packaging. These standards are regulated by government bodies, such as the USDA in the United States and EU authorities in Europe, to ensure authenticity and integrity across the supply chain.

Core principles of organic production

At its heart, organic agriculture is a holistic system focused on nurturing the health of the entire ecosystem. This involves a set of core principles:

Health: Sustaining the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans.
Ecology: Basing practices on living ecological systems and cycles.
Fairness: Building relationships that ensure fairness regarding the environment and life opportunities.
Care: Managing in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect future generations.

Agricultural standards: Crop and livestock production

The journey to organic certification begins on the farm, with distinct criteria for both crop and livestock production.

Crop production criteria

Land Requirements: No prohibited substances for three years before harvest.
Pest and Weed Control: Use natural, biological, and cultural methods; synthetic pesticides and herbicides are prohibited.
Soil Fertility: Maintained through crop rotations, cover cropping, manure, and compost; sewage sludge is prohibited.
Seeds and Plantings: Use organic seeds when available; GMOs are never permitted.

Livestock production criteria

Antibiotics and Hormones: Prohibited.
Organic Feed: 100% certified organic feed (with exceptions for vitamins and minerals).
Pasture Access: Ruminants must have pasture access; all livestock need outdoor access.
Humane Treatment: Producers must implement practices promoting animal health and well-being.

Processing and handling requirements

Organic criteria extend far beyond the farm. Processors must maintain organic integrity.

Segregation: Keep organic products separate from conventional.
Prohibited Substances: Restricted use of synthetic additives, preservatives, colorings, and flavorings; specific list of allowed non-organic ingredients and aids; no ionizing radiation.
Traceability: Record-keeping to track products from farm to store.

Organic labeling tiers and standards comparison

Labeling indicates the percentage of organic ingredients. Standards vary slightly by region:


Feature	United States (USDA)	European Union (EU)
Labeling Tiers	100% Organic: 100% organic ingredients. Organic: 95% or more organic ingredients. Made with Organic Ingredients: 70-95% organic ingredients. Less than 70%: Organic ingredients listed on the ingredient panel only.	EU Organic Logo: 95% or more organic agricultural ingredients. Logo is mandatory for pre-packaged products. Reference in Ingredients: If less than 95% organic, can reference organic ingredients in the ingredient list only. Note: "100% Organic" labeling is not used.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)	Prohibited.	Prohibited.
Certification	USDA-accredited certifying agent.	Control body authorized by EU regulations.
Pest Control	Natural methods and materials from the National List.	Natural methods; avoids synthetic pesticides.

The certification process: Ensuring compliance

Meeting criteria involves third-party certification by an accredited agent. This includes:

Developing an Organic System Plan (OSP).
OSP review and approval.
On-site inspection.
Annual re-evaluation. This ensures the integrity of the organic label.

How to identify an organic product

Look for the official certification seal, like the USDA Organic seal in the US. Labels indicate the percentage of organic ingredients. For unpackaged produce, rely on retailer signage and check for the certifying agent's name on packaged products.

For more information on US organic regulations, consult the official website of the USDA's National Organic Program.

Conclusion

Understanding the criteria for organic products reveals a complex system promoting sustainable agriculture and consumer protection. From farming practices prohibiting synthetic chemicals and GMOs to processing standards and mandatory certification, the organic label signifies a commitment to environmental health and product integrity. Knowing what to look for on labels allows consumers to choose products aligned with their values.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'organic' is a regulated labeling claim with strict government-enforced standards covering farming, processing, and handling. The term 'natural' has no official regulation in most contexts and can be used without verification of production methods.

Scientific evidence is mixed, and definitive conclusions are still debated. While some studies suggest slightly higher levels of certain nutrients or antioxidants, the overall nutritional difference between organic and conventional foods is generally not considered significant enough to impact health.

No, it does not. Organic farming prohibits most synthetic pesticides but allows for the use of certain natural pesticides and approved substances. Organic products also contain minimal pesticide residues due to environmental pollution, though levels are generally lower than conventional products.

To be certified organic, land must be free of prohibited substances, such as synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, for a minimum of three years prior to the harvest of the first organic crop.

Yes. Most countries, including the US and those in the EU, have specific regulations requiring imported organic products to meet standards equivalent to their own domestic standards.

Yes, processed foods can be certified organic. They must adhere to strict processing and handling criteria, including the use of certified organic ingredients and a limited list of approved non-organic additives and processing aids.

The higher cost of organic food can be attributed to several factors, including more labor-intensive farming methods, stricter regulations, the cost of certification, and the potentially lower yields compared to conventional farming.