USDA Organic is one of the most-regulated food labels in the U.S. The four tiers are not interchangeable, and labeling outside the tier you've earned is a federal violation enforced by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

• "100% Organic": All ingredients (excluding water and salt) must be certified organic. Can display the USDA Organic seal.
• "Organic": 95% or more of ingredients (by weight, excluding water and salt) must be certified organic. The remaining 5% must come from the National List of approved non-organic substances. Can display the USDA Organic seal.
• "Made with Organic [Ingredients]": 70% or more of ingredients must be certified organic. Cannot display the USDA Organic seal but can list up to three organic ingredients on the principal display panel.
• Under 70% organic: Cannot use the word "organic" on the principal display panel. Can list organic ingredients in the ingredient deck only.

Certification process: a USDA-accredited certifying agent (there are ~80 of them) audits your facility, your suppliers, and your record-keeping. Costs run $1,200-7,500/year for initial certification plus annual inspections, depending on operation size. Brands working with a co-manufacturer can certify under the co-manufacturer's certification if both parties are properly set up.