Organic
What is Organic?
According to the USDA's National Organic Program:Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.
How do I know if something is organic?
In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), which included the creation of the National Organic Program (NOP), to develop national standards and regulations for organic products. One of the regulations to come from this Act was the creation of strict labeling guidelines for products claiming to be organic.
Twenty years after the passage of the OFPA, it is a lot easier for consumers to have confidence in what they are buying as organic. If buying organic is important to you then check the packaging of your favorite products to see if they say "certified organic." Numerous certifying agencies are at work across the country and each has their own seal, but the most common ones you might see are the USDA, Quality Assurance International (QAI), and Oregon Tilth.
Are WholeSoy & Co. yogurts organic?
WholeSoy & Co. yogurts are certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI), an independent certifier that is nationally accredited by the USDA. To comply with the organic standards set by the NOP and by QAI, WholeSoy has undergone an extensive application process for each of our products plus a yearly review and inspection. Each of our ingredient suppliers and production facilities must also follow the same protocol for certification or compliance.
