Look at the Label

To qualify for the new federal organic labels that debuted October 21, 2002 a food must have been certified as produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, geneticengineering, sewage sludge or irradiation. Organic meat, eggs and dairy products must come from animals that have been fed organic grain and given no growth hormones or antibiotics.

There are degrees of organic, however, so look closely at the front of the package. All-organic whole foods, such as produce or unprocessed meat, may display the "USDA Organic" logo and a "100% Organic" claim. Processed foods containing at least 95 percent organic ingredients also can claim "USDA Organic," whereas products with 70 percent or more organic can just say "Made with Organic Ingredients." Lesser percentages can list organic only along with other ingredients on the side panel.

The full text of the national organic standards may be viewed at www.ams.usda.gov/nop.