Organic food production is a regulated process that operates on the core principle of working in harmony with nature. This approach relies on management practices and natural materials to maintain ecological balance and soil fertility, strictly controlling or prohibiting the use of synthetic materials and specific methods. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlines these rules under its National Organic Program (NOP).
Prohibited substances and practices for organic crops
For a crop to be certified organic, the land on which it is grown must not have had any prohibited substances applied to it for at least three years prior to harvest. The rules extend beyond the field to include the seeds themselves and how they are grown.
Synthetic pesticides and herbicides
Most synthetic (man-made) pesticides and herbicides are strictly prohibited in organic crop production. Instead, organic farmers rely on natural pest control and weed management strategies, such as beneficial insects, crop rotation, and mechanical weeding. A very limited number of synthetic substances are allowed, but only under specific conditions and if organic alternatives are insufficient. Examples of generally prohibited synthetic pesticides include many conventional insecticides and herbicides.
Synthetic fertilizers
Organic standards prohibit the use of most synthetic fertilizers to enrich the soil. The philosophy is to build and maintain healthy soil organically through practices like composting, cover crops, and green manure. The use of sewage sludge, also known as biosolids, as a fertilizer is also expressly prohibited in organic farming.
Genetic engineering (GMOs)
One of the most well-known rules is the complete prohibition of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic products must be produced without genetic engineering, meaning no genetically modified seeds, plants, or ingredients are allowed at any stage. Organic handlers and processors must also take preventive measures to avoid commingling with non-organic or genetically engineered products.
Irradiation
This process, which uses radiation to kill bacteria and extend shelf life, is another method explicitly banned for all certified organic products.
Prohibited natural substances
While the general rule is that natural substances are allowed and synthetic ones are prohibited, there are exceptions on both sides. The National List also contains a small list of natural substances that are prohibited for use in organic crop production due to toxicity concerns. These include substances like arsenic, strychnine, and tobacco dust (nicotine sulfate).
Prohibited substances and practices for organic livestock
Organic livestock standards focus on animal welfare and health management without the use of certain chemicals or practices.
Antibiotics and growth hormones
Routine use of antibiotics or any other animal drugs is prohibited in organic livestock. Growth hormones are also forbidden. If an organic animal requires antibiotics to prevent suffering, it can be treated, but it must then be removed from the organic program and cannot be sold as organic.
Confinement and feedlots
Organic regulations mandate that animals have access to the outdoors and grazing pasture for ruminants. Practices such as battery cages for hens and farrowing crates for sows are strictly prohibited, as are feedlots for cattle.
Prohibited feed
Organic animals must be fed 100% certified organic feed, with no GMO ingredients. Certain feed additives and synthetic substances, even some natural ones, are also prohibited.
Prohibited substances and practices in organic processing
Even after ingredients are harvested, strict rules govern how they are handled and processed to maintain their organic integrity.
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Organic processed foods cannot contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Flavorings must be derived from organic or non-synthetic sources and cannot be made with synthetic solvents.
Artificial processing aids
Many synthetic processing aids are not allowed in organic handling, such as certain filtering aids and defoamers. A short list of non-organic agricultural ingredients can be used in processed organic products, but only if they are not commercially available in organic form.
Comparison of Prohibited Practices: Organic vs. Conventional
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of some key practices and substances.
| Practice/Substance | Organic Production | Conventional Production |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic Pesticides | Largely prohibited, with very limited exceptions from the National List. | Routinely used for pest and disease control. |
| Synthetic Fertilizers | Prohibited; soil fertility maintained through natural methods like compost and manure. | Commonly used to promote crop growth and yield. |
| Genetic Engineering (GMOs) | Completely prohibited; no GMO seeds or ingredients. | Widespread use of GMO crops and seeds. |
| Antibiotics (Livestock) | Prohibited for routine use; treatment removes animal from organic status. | Routinely used for disease prevention and growth promotion. |
| Growth Hormones (Livestock) | Prohibited for use in all livestock, including cattle. | Allowed in some livestock industries, such as beef. |
| Artificial Additives | Prohibited; flavors must be natural, and artificial colors and preservatives are banned. | Commonly used to enhance flavor, color, and shelf life. |
| Sewage Sludge | Prohibited as a fertilizer. | Sometimes used as a fertilizer on agricultural land. |
| Irradiation | Prohibited for all organic products. | Allowed to extend shelf life and kill bacteria in some foods. |
Understanding the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
The National List is a critical component of organic regulations. It details the specific synthetic substances that are permitted and the natural substances that are prohibited. The list is maintained and updated by the USDA with advice from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This list provides nuance to the blanket prohibitions, acknowledging that in some rare cases, a synthetic substance may be necessary when no organic alternative exists, and its use is compatible with organic principles.
For more detailed information, consult the official regulations on the National List via the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR): eCFR: The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
Conclusion
What is not allowed in organic food extends across every stage of production, from the seed to the finished product. The comprehensive list of prohibited substances and methods, including synthetic pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, and artificial additives, demonstrates the commitment to a holistic approach to farming and food processing. By adhering to these stringent standards, organic certification offers consumers a guarantee about how their food was grown and handled, prioritizing environmental health and natural processes. The regulated nature of organic production is what fundamentally distinguishes it from conventional agriculture, providing a transparent system for consumers who prioritize specific farming and processing practices.
