How Certified Organic Labelling Works
...in a nutshell!

There are plenty of products around which carry the word "organic" on the label. Many of those are actually breaking the rules. Read the three classifications below to find out what those rules are.

As per the ACO (and NASAA and USDA ) organic standard, products carrying a 100% organic label may contain only organically produced ingredients.

To be labeled “organic” 95% of the ingredients must be organically grown, and the remaining ones must come from non-organic ingredients that have been approved on the National list. These products display the certifiers logo (ie, the bud logo for ACO or USDA organic).

Must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients. The remaining 30% of non-organic ingredients must be approved on the National List. In Australia these products do not display a certifiers logo, they are only permitted to use the wording "made with ...% organic ingredients". In America the situation is different, products may display a certifiers logo but not the USDA organic logo.

Currently under the certified organic labeling system, reputable manufacturers of a product which is not at a certified (95%) level but wishes to make a percentage statement must still submit formulas to their certifier to ensure no prohibited materials. In effect, the 30% remaining material might not be organic but they are not toxic either and the percentage of organic product has been independently verified. The company that goes through this process will have their details and the product details listed on the certifiers website. the onus is on the consumer to check this.

Many manufacturers do not bother to go through this process, so percentage claims are self-declarations and allowed inputs are scrutinized by the manufacturers not an independent auditor, allowing any number of toxins to enter products.

The safest option for consumers and retailers is to stock a certified organic product, as this is the gold standard for personal care products.