The following excerpt is from the definition of "organic" that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) adopted in April 1995:
"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."

USDA regulations:
• Prohibit the use of irradiation, sewage sludge, or genetically modified organisms in organic production;
• Reflect NOSB recommendations concerning items on the national list of allowed synthetic and prohibited natural substances;
• Prohibit antibiotics in organic meat and poultry; and require 100% organic feed for organic livestock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved four categories of organic labels, based on the percentage of organic content. The organic labels began to appear on store shelves on October 21, 2002:
1. 100 Percent Organic - may carry USDA Organic Seal
2. Organic - at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.
3. Made With Organic - at least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase "Made with Organic" followed by up to three specific ingredients. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)
4. Less than 70 % of content is organic and may list only those ingredients that are organic on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display new USDA Organic seal)