Only foods produced and processed by certified operations, according to National Organic Program standards, can be sold, labeled or represented as organic.

Operators who knowingly violate NOP regulations face a civil penalty of up to $11,000. (Operations with annual organic sales of $5,000 or less are exempt from the requirements.)

Only products that are "100 percent organic" or "organic" may display the green or black USDA Organic seal. These products must also list the certifying agent's name.

•100 percent organic: Contains only organically produced ingredients and processing aids (excluding water and salt). No materials from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances are used.

•Organic: Contains at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Remaining ingredients can be nonorganically produced agricultural ingredients not commercially available in organic form and/or other substances on the national list.

•Made with organic ingredients: Contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients, such as soup made with organic peas, potatoes and carrots.

•Less than 70 percent organic: The word "organic" cannot appear on the primary display label. Organic ingredients may be identified in the ingredient list.

•Natural: According to the federal Food and Drug Administration definition, "natural" products should contain no artificial or synthetic ingredients. This labeling claim requires no inspection or certification.

•"No drugs or growth hormones used," "free range," "sustainably harvested": These and other truthful labeling claims currently are not regulated.

Contact Lancaster Newspapers staff writer Mary Beth Schweigert at mschweigert@lnpnews.com.