"USDA certified organic" refers to foods or products that have been produced according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations. USDA-certified food handlers, processors, and retailers follow regulations that aim to ensure farming and food production increase sustainability, ecological balance, and biodiversity.

Accordingly, USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines that address soil quality, pest and weed control, and the use of additives, among other requirements. To meet these stringent requirements, producers of certified organic products rely on natural substances, plus physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible. For example, when it comes to soil quality, products can be certified organic if they have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest (prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides). When it comes to multi-ingredient foods, USDA standards require additional considerations; regulations prohibit organically processed foods from containing artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
 
In sum, consumers can be comfortable that USDA organic products are verified organic at all steps of the process between the farm and the store. Look for the USDA certified seal for indications the products are USDA approved.