The product that is "certified organic" means that the producer and/or processors have been inspected by a third-party agency to verify the organic integrity of their facilities and procedures, and then certified by that agency. Several certification agencies exist across the country and they inspect to ensure that:
Any product labeled organic in the U.S. must also meet strict national standards. Organic food must be produced without the use of sewer-sludge fertilizers, most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetic engineering (biotechnology), growth hormones, irradiation and antibiotics. All food product labeling must meet the USDA "National Organic Program" standard and approval before they can be used.
1. No harmful chemicals or prohibited substances have been used or applied to the field for at least three years.
2. Documentation that their operations follow strict standards to qualify for certification.
3. They have kept detailed records of their practices.
4. They used ecologically-friendly methods and substances to improve the soil and control pests and clean processing facilities.
