In the US organic food production is regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) via the National Organic Program (NOP).
The NOP regulations prohibit the use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge in organic production and handling.
Production and handling standards address organic crop production, wild crop harvesting, organic livestock management, and processing and handling of organic agricultural products.
In addition, it is not permitted for any land to have any prohibited substance applied to it at least 3 years before organic crops are harvested from it.
Organic crops are to be raised without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Animals raised on an organic operation must be fed organic feed and given access to the outdoors. They are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.
Labeling standards are based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product. Therefore, you need to check labels carefully to ensure you know what you are buying.
Products “labeled 100% organic” must contain only organically produced ingredients – no exceptions.