Guide to Sustainable Food Certifications

Third party sustainable food certifications identify products that have been grown or harvested according to uniform standards. These certified food products have been produced in an effort to enhance economic, environmental and social aspects of our communities. The following certifications contribute to earning MRc5: Sustainable Purchasing—Food.

USDA Organic

USDA Organic produce was farmed or processed with following regulations:

• Prohibit the use of irradiation, sewage sludge, or genetically modified organisms in organic production; 
• Reflect NOSB recommendations concerning items on the national list of allowed synthetic and prohibited natural substances; 
• Prohibit antibiotics in organic meat and poultry; and  
• Require 100% organic feed for organic livestock.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved four categories of organic labels, based on the percentage of organic content. The organic labels began to appear on store shelves on October 21, 2002:

• 100 Percent Organic - may carry USDA Organic Seal
• Organic - at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.
• Made With Organic - at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase "Made with Organic" followed by up to three specific...