Consumer Law at Your Fingertips

Food Safety & Labeling

Organic Foods

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has adopted standards for organic foods. Foods sold as organic foods must comply with the federal standards. Organic food production emphasizes the use of renewable resources and environmentally-friendly production methods. 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, petroleum-based fertilizers, sewage sludge-based fertilizers, bio-engineering or ionizing radiation.

USDA does not suggest that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than
conventionally produced food. Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled, and processed. For more information see the federal organic program.

Wisconsin law prohibits deceptive advertising and labeling of food, including deceptive “organic” labeling of food. Labeling that violates federal standards would likely violate Wisconsin law, as well.