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Not sure what the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) organic seal really means, an increasing number of consumers are choosing locally grown food instead.

A recent survey by Mambo Sprouts Marketing, which gathered comments from 850 buyers of organic/natural products, indicated confusion and mistrust of the USDA label, along with a perception that its organic standards are declining.

Just under 50% of those polled believed the USDA seal promised 100% organic contents. Around 25% believed the seal indicates at least 95% organic; 16 % interpreted the label to mean more than 70% organic, and 12% felt it indicated “some organic.”

Although the USDA seal on a product claims that it must contain 95% organic ingredients, only one fourth of the buyers typically buy ‘USDA Organic’ products. Seven out of ten, however, choose products labeled “All Organic.”

Consumers’ top choice is foods that are both organic and local, according to the survey. If they had to choose one or the other, 36% opted for local over organic, and 33% chose organic over local. All other respondents were unsure of their choice. (SOURCE: Decision News)