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USDA The USDA implements standards set by the Organic Food Produc- tion Act, 1990. The various categories are as follows: 100 percent organic (a totally organic product carrying USDA’s Seal), organic (made of 95 percent organic components), made with organic in- gredients (at least 70 percent of the components are organic and the rest are from the USDA’s list), and natural (may or may not be organic).

Other Labels and Certifications Different countries have their own ways of certifying organic products. The French certifications are given by ECOCERT, a cer- tification agency that labels organic food products as “AB” and organic skin prod- ucts as “Cosmebio.” In Germany, labels go by the name “Bio-Siegel.” In Japan, organic products are labeled “JAS” (Japanese Agri- cultural Standard).

Climate Facts

● ● Salt and water are the two items that are not considered for organic labeling. ● ● In the United States, a fine of $11,000 is imposed if a nonorganic product is labeled as “organic.”

The Organic Lifestyle

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