What are the differences between EU and US organic standards?

Q: Is EU organic the same as US organic?

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Q: Why do people say European organic standards are stricter than US organic standards?

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Q: Do EU and US organic baby formulas both need 95% organic ingredients?

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Q: Are GMOs allowed in organic baby formula?

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Q: Which organic standard should I look for when choosing a baby formula?

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March 9, 2023

When it comes to baby formula US organic, does not equal EU organic

Organic farming techniques and standards have a huge effect on the quality of baby formula. There are many important differences between the organic farming standards established by the European Union (EU) and those established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The list below outlines the key differences between EU and US organic farming standards and what thresholds need to be met to be allowed to be labelled organic.

Definition of Organic

The EU defines organic farming as a holistic system that promotes and enhances the health of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the environment. The USDA defines organic farming as a production system that is managed to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

Certification

In the EU, organic certification is mandatory for all organic producers and processors, and is regulated by national and regional authorities. In the US, organic certification is also mandatory for all organic producers and processors, but is regulated by the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP).

Pesticides and Fertilizers

The EU prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in organic farming, while the USDA allows certain synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to be used under specific conditions.

GMOs

The EU prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in organic farming and requires GMO testing for all organic products. The USDA also prohibits genetically modified organisms in certified organic products.

Livestock Practices

The EU requires organic livestock to have access to outdoor areas and natural grazing, while the USDA only requires that livestock have access to the outdoors. The EU also prohibits the use of growth hormones in organic livestock, while the USDA only prohibits the use of hormones in organic poultry.

Processing and Ingredients

The EU prohibits the use of synthetic additives, flavorings, and processing aids in organic products, while the USDA allows the use of some synthetic additives, flavorings, and processing aids in organic products under specific conditions. Both the EU and the USDA require at least 95% organic ingredients for a product to carry the "organic" label; the 70% threshold applies only to the separate "made with organic ingredients" category in both systems.

In summary, the EU places a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and natural methods, while the USDA allows synthetic inputs and is more focused on site-specific conditions and resource conservation. A lot of products labelled organic in the US would not meet the EU organic standards. For the brands that do, see our best organic baby formula guide.

Related reading: how the EU and US differ on maltodextrin, and browse European baby formula.

Rodney Hyde

International Formula Expert – Grow Organic Baby

For over 10 years Rodney has been researching and selecting the world's best formulas, making them available on Groworganicbaby.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is EU organic the same as US organic?

Not exactly. Both require certification and at least 95% organic ingredients, but EU rules are stricter on synthetic additives, pesticides, and animal welfare, while USDA organic allows more synthetic inputs under specific conditions.

Why do people say European organic standards are stricter than US organic standards?

The EU bans synthetic additives, flavorings, and processing aids in organic products and requires outdoor access and natural grazing for organic livestock. US rules are more flexible on both counts, so a product labeled organic in the US doesn't automatically meet EU organic requirements.

Do EU and US organic baby formulas both need 95% organic ingredients?

Yes. Both systems require at least 95% organic ingredients to carry the "organic" label. The real differences show up in what's allowed in that remaining 5%, like synthetic additives and processing aids.

Are GMOs allowed in organic baby formula?

No, not under either standard. Both USDA and EU organic rules prohibit genetically modified organisms in certified organic products.

Which organic standard should I look for when choosing a baby formula?

If you want the strictest rules on pesticides, additives, and animal welfare, look for EU organic certification. Check our best organic baby formula guide to see which brands on our shelves meet that bar.