Understanding what "organic" actually means can help you make better choices at the grocery store. What Does "Organic" Actually Mean?

In the United States, "organic" is a government-backed labeling claim. For food to be certified organic by the USDA , it must be produced according to strict standards:

: Must be grown without synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are strictly prohibited.