Canadian National Organic Standards

Organic Products

Due to increasing consumer demand, the organic food industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last 20 years. Consumers are increasingly choosing to purchase organic foods and products that offer alternatives to potentially harmful chemical pesticides and genetically modified foods that may be undesirable from both health and environmental standpoints. Organic farmers, food processors, and retailers have worked together to develop organic farming and production standards so that consumers can feel confident with the organic integrity of their purchases.

Organic Agriculture

Organic agriculture, according to the National Standard of Canada for Organic Agriculture (NSCOA), is a holistic system of production designed to optimize the productivity, and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principle goal of organic agriculture is to develop productive enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.

The Canadian Standard outlines the general principles of organic production:

• Protect environment, minimize pollution, promote wellness and optimize biological productivity.
• Replenish and maintain long-term soil fertility by providing optimal conditions for soil biological activity.
• Maintain biodiversity within the farming system and its surroundings and protect and develop plant and wildlife habit.
• Recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the farm and its surrounding community as part of a regionally organized agricultural system.
• Provide attentive and ethical care that meets both health and behavioral requirements of livestock.
• Maintain the integrity of organic food and processed products through each step of the process from planting to consumption.

Certified Organic

Compliance with the Canadian Standard is voluntary, yet most producers of organic products are motivated to both certify and label their products so that consumers are informed of their organic status. Products that have been certified by an NSCOA approved certifying agency may display the terms certified organic, certified organically grown, certified organically raised, certified organically produced, certified biological, or certified biodynamic on their label. The label typically contains the certifying agent's logo or trademark.

The guidelines for labeling organic products are:

• The use of the term organic, and similar terms having the same meaning, is permitted on the principle display panel of a food product, only if 95% or greater of ingredients, excluding added water or salt, are obtained from certified sources of organic production.
• The trademark of the certification body shall appear only on the principle display panel if 95% or greater of the ingredients are certified organic.
• Products containing 70% or greater of certified organic ingredients shall be labeled on the principle display panel as follows:
• "Contains X% certified organic ingredients" - Example: Contains 75% organic ingredients
• Products containing less than 70% of certified organic ingredients shall have the organic ingredients labeled as organic in the list of ingredients only.

Organic Standards in the United States

Effective October 21, 2002, mandatory requirements established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) governing the production, handling and labeling of organic products go into effect in the United States. The voluntary Canadian standards are very similar to the U.S. laws, so producers whose products are sold in both countries may label according to the U.S. regulations.

What it means in the United States if the label says ...

"100% Organic"

• Product must contain only organically produced raw or processed material, excluding water and salt.
• Product may display the terms "100% Organic" or "Organic" or "Made with Organic Ingredients" on the principal display panel.
• The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages and use of their certifying seal is optional. Use of the USDA "organic" seal is optional.

"Organic"

• Product must be at least 95% organically produced ingredients. Remainder must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the USDA's National List or non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
• Product may display the terms "Organic" or "Made With Organic Ingredients" on the principal display panel. The label may also state the percentage of organic ingredients in the product.
• The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages and use of their certifying seal is optional. Use of the USDA "organic" seal is optional.

"Made with Organic Ingredients"

• Product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
• Product may display the term "Made With Organic Ingredients" and a list of up to three of the product's organic ingredients or food groups may be included on the principal display panel. The label may also state the percentage of organic ingredients in the product.
• The name of the certifying agent must appear on packages and use of their certifying seal is optional. Use of the USDA "organic" seal is prohibited.

Our Commitment

At Whole Foods Market®, we are committed to bringing you high quality organically grown produce, bulk, and convenience foods. Our commitment reflects our concern for the health and quality of our lives, the improvement of our environment on earth, and the sustainability of our food system. Be sure to look for the organic label throughout our stores - from the grocery shelves to the produce, bulk, and specialty departments. Your purchase of organically produced foods and products goes to support those farmers, producers, and handlers who have a strong commitment to good health, quality foods, and earth-friendly sustainable agricultural practices. It also encourages others to make their way towards organic farming as the industry continues to grow. At Whole Foods Market®, we believe that all of us, as well as future generations, have the right to nutritious foods and a healthy environment in which to live.