Food Certification Labels Explained

USDA (US Department of Agriculture) certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible.

A Non-GMO Project Verified seal on animal products not only means that the animals themselves weren’t genetically engineered but also that the animal feed was tested for major GMO crops (such as corn and soy) and contained less than 5% genetically modified material.

The gluten-free certification is a process designed to protect consumers with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders by confirming that a food, drink, or supplement meets strict standards for gluten-free safety.

What does it mean to be kosher certified? Kosher supervision means that a qualified Rabbi or Rabbinic organization supervises the production of a food item to ensure that the product is kosher (prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary law). The circled U is only one version of the Kosher certified logo – click here to see more.

Products approved to carry the certified vegan logo must not contain ingredients of meat, fish, fowl, animal by-products (including silk or dyes from insects), eggs or egg products, milk or milk products, honey or honey bee products, or be clarified or finished with any animal products.

Fair trade is an arrangement designed to help producers in developing countries achieve sustainable and equitable trade relationships. The fair trade movement combines the payment of higher prices to exporters with improved social and environmental standards. When products are Fairtrade Certified it means that they were produced in accordance with Fairtrade International’s rigorous environmental, economic, and social standards.

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW is the only label that guarantees animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range for their entire lives on an independent farm using truly sustainable, high-welfare farming practices.

• If a product bears the 100% Stamp, then all its grain ingredients are whole grain. There is a minimum requirement of 16g (16 grams) – a full serving – of whole grain per labeled serving, for products using the 100% Stamp.
• If a product bears the 50%+ Stamp, then at least half of its grain ingredients are whole grain. There is a minimum requirement of 8g (8 grams) – a half serving – of whole grain per labeled serving, for products using the 50%+ Stamp.
• If a product bears the Basic Stamp (right image), it contains at least 8g (8 grams) – a half serving – of whole grain, but may contain more refined grain than whole.

What does certified grass fed mean? It means the animal ate only grasses and forages (like hay) for the length of its life, starting when it was weaned off its mother’s milk. Meat can also be labeled as certified organic grass-fed, and this would mean the forages that the animal consumed met all organic certifications.

B Corp certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. Unlike the traditional corporation that gives priority only to financial profitability, B Corps actually use the power of business to address social and environmental problems.

The MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) says its label guarantees that the wild seafood was caught using methods that do not deplete the natural supply. It also guarantees that fishing companies do not cause serious harm to other life in the sea, from coral to dolphins.