Its no secret that sales of organic foods are booming.  In 2004 alone, $20 billion was spent by American consumers for organics, and this figure is expected to rise to $30 billion in 2007.

Its no secret that organic foods cost more than their non-organic counterparts, but apparently consumers are willing to pay more for the perceived benefits of these foods.

What seems like a secret is how to read organic food labels. 

What does the Certified Organic seal actually mean?                                                        

Any food that bears the seal must meet certain criteria.  First of all the seal guarantees that the food grower has been inspected by a US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - accredited agency.  This ensures that no synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers, nor genetically-modified seeds or irradiation treatment. was used. The grower must also keep detailed records of the procedures utilized which may be subject to an unannounced review at any time.

Contrary to popular thought, the Certified Organic Seal does not guarantee  that  the food has been locally grown nor that it is more nutritious than conventionally - grown food.

Also, there are several USDA - Certified Organic Food Categories, not all are 100% organic.  For example, if a product label statement reads "100% organic", then you can be assured that it is. 

However if the label reads simply "Organic", it means the product is only 95 - 99% organic.  Likewise, any food that is less than 95% organic cannot by law display the Certified Seal.  What appears on the label instead for foods which are only 74 - 94% organic is "Made with organic ingredients".  Foods which contain even lesser amounts of organic ingredients are permitted to display the organic ingredients on the information panel only.

Bottom LIne:   Read labels carefully to make sure you are buying just what you think you are!