What do organic labels really mean?

We should be as familiar with the ingredient labels of our cosmetics as we are with food labels. We know approximately how many grams of saturated fat or sugar are acceptable. Whether a food product contains enough protein or fiber for our liking, or if it is too processed for our taste. But do we really know what is required of a product labeled "organic"? Read on to learn more about what it takes for a product to acquire an organic label.

USDA National Organic Program:
-100% Organic--Can contain only organically produced ingredients. Can display the USDA Organic label.
-Organic--95% of the ingredients must be organically grown, the remaining 5% may be non-organically produced ingredients. Must list ingredients on the label. Can show the USDA Organic label.
-Made with Organic Ingredients--must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients, the remaining 30% may be non-organically produced ingredients. Must list ingredients on the label. Can not use the USDA Organic label.

The above are the criteria which need to be met for a food product to earn the USDA Organic label. These labels may be used by cosmetics manufacturers meeting the criteria of a certified organic product. Cosmetic products not meeting the criteria of a certified organic product are not regulated by the USDA.

For more information see www.ams.usda.gov/nop/indexIE.htm

BDIH is the Association of German Industries and Trading Firms for pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, food supplements and personal hygiene products. They have set strict gudelines for certified natural cosmetics, which a product must meet in order to carry the "BDIH-Certified Natural Cosmetics" Seal.

These guidelines are as follows:
-Ingredients must be from a plant or mineral source.
-Plant ingredients must be organically grown or wild harvested whenever possible.
-No animal testing is permitted.
-Most petroleum based or synthetic ingredients are prohibited.
-Genetically modified ingredients are prohibited.

For more information see www.kontrollierte-naturkosmetik.de

The Soil Association is a UK environmental charity which promotes sustainable, organic farming and the health and well being of human beings. In April 2002 the Soil Association launched a new program which set standards for health and beauty products, allowing them to carry the Soil Association label.

These standards are as follows:
-Genetically modified ingredients are prohibited, as well as ingredients and processes which are toxic or have an adverse effect on the environment.
-Products which contain at least 95% organic ingredients can be labeled organic.
-Products with no less than 70% organic ingredients may be labeled "made with xx% organic ingredients".
-Manufacturers are prohibited from using hydrogenated fat, petro-chemicals and SLS.
-Any animal ingredients must be from animals bred under organic standards, and no animal testing is permitted.

For more information see www.soilassociation.org

IFOAM is an independent, non-profit organization which works to unite and represent the organic movement worldwide. IFOAM backs the integrity of organic standards internationally through their Organic Guarantee System (OGS), which is a system of standards, verification and market identity. Through the OGS, organic certifiers who are in compliance with IFOAM standards can become "IFOAM Accredited" which allows their certified manufacturers to use the IFOAM Seal on their products.

For more information see www.ifoam.org

Ecocert is an international inspection and certification body which makes sure that organic products measure up to the organic regulations of Europe, Japan and the U.S.

Standards are as follows:
-Natural Cosmetic--at least 50% vegetable ingredients with a minimum of 5% Organic Certified ingredients.
-Natural and Organic Cosmetic--95% vegetable ingredients with a minimum of 10% Organic Certified ingredients.

Both must be a minimum of 95% natural or of natural origin ingredients. Natural origin means it comes from nature and is processed by environmentally friendly means. No more than 5% of synthetic ingredients may be used, including preservatives or processing means.

For more information see www.ecocert.com

Biodynamic farming is an approach based on the work of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. In addition to organic practices such as crop rotation and composting, biodynamic farmers rely on special plant, animal and mineral preparations and the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets and stars.

For more information see www.cuesa.org

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