Organic Food Facts...

Confused about organic labels on food packaging, and what they really mean?

Labeling requirements for organic food are based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product, according to standards established by the National Organic Program (NOP). These standards apply to all raw, fresh, and processed food products that contain organic agricultural ingredients. Note that organic food cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.

100 percent organic: Products with this label must contain only organically produced ingredients and processing aids (excluding water and salt).

Organic: Products must contain at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining ingredients must consist of non-agricultural substances, which are on the approved National List. This includes specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.

Made with organic ingredients: Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use this label. Three of the organic ingredients or food groups can also be listed.

Any foods items using the an organic label must list each organically produced ingredient in the ingredient label.

If a person knowingly sells or labels as organic a food product that is not produced and handled in accordance with the National Organic Program’s regulations, a civil penalty of up to $11,000 can be levied.

Incorporating Soy into Your Meals

Foods containing soy protein may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unlike other vegetable proteins, soy protein contains all eight amino acids, making it a “complete” protein. Soy protein may also help prevent bone loss and the risk of bone fractures.

The FDA recommends that you consume 25 grams of soy protein into your daily diet. This may sound difficult, but you may be surprised at how easily this can be done. If you are new to soy, you may want to start adding soy to your diet gradually.

The following foods contain soy and are easy to incorporate into your diet:

• Edamame – Fresh green soybeans that come in pods or already shelled. Remember that the pods are not edible, so they must be shelled as you would fresh peas.


• Soymilk – Soymilk is a substitute for dairy products, especially if you are lactose intolerant. Soymilk comes ready-to-drink or in a dry powder form, and is available in many flavors. Flavorings and fruit juices can also be added.


• Tofu – Tofu, also known as soybean curd, absorbs the ingredients of other ingredients that it is cooked with. It comes in various forms: Soft – Good for recipes that use blended tofu, such as smoothies, creamy soups, and salad dressings; Firm – Comes packed in water, and is dense and solid. It is higher in protein, fat, and calcium than other forms of tofu. Firm tofu can be sliced or cubed, and then used for stir-fry and soups. You can also marinate it and grill it with some fresh vegetables.