What Goes Into a USDA Organic Certification for Supplements?
When we think about sustainability, we often focus on what we eat, how we shop, and the products we use daily. But have you ever considered how natural supplements can impact the planet? Every product you consume has a footprint, and supplements are no exception.
The same principles that make organic farming better for human health (avoiding synthetic pesticides, protecting soil integrity, and eliminating harmful chemicals) also make it better for the earth. From sourcing ingredients to manufacturing and packaging, organic certification ensures that every step of the supplement manufacturing process meets high environmental standards.
Let’s explore what goes into earning the USDA Organic seal and why it’s one of the most meaningful ways to align your wellness routine with your values.
The USDA Organic Certification Process
Earning a USDA Organic Certification is a rigorous, multi-step process that ensures supplements meet the highest standards for purity, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
The process involves strict ingredient sourcing, careful manufacturing practices, and ongoing compliance checks. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what it takes for a supplement company to achieve a USDA Organic seal:
Step 1: Source Certified Organic Ingredients
At least 95% of a supplement’s ingredients must be grown and harvested according to USDA organic standards. If a product is labeled “100% Organic,” every single ingredient must meet these high standards.
Ingredients must come from farms that don’t use synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs, and the farming practices must support soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation.
Step 2: Work with a USDA-Accredited Certifier
Once the organic ingredients are secured, the supplement company must work with a USDA-accredited certifier to oversee the certification process. This requires submitting an Organic System Plan (OSP) – a detailed document outlining ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, cleaning protocols, and waste management practices. The OSP must demonstrate that the company follows strict organic guidelines at every stage of production.
Step 3: Facility Inspection
After reviewing the OSP, the certifier conducts an on-site inspection of the company’s manufacturing facility. During this inspection, the certifier verifies that the company is using only approved organic ingredients and that all production methods comply with organic standards.
The inspector also examines ingredient records, processing methods, and storage practices to ensure that no synthetic additives, harsh solvents, or irradiation are used in production. The company must also show they use proper handling procedures to prevent contamination from non-organic materials.
Step 4: Certification Approval
If the company passes the inspection and meets all USDA standards, it is granted official organic certification. At this point, the USDA Organic seal can be displayed on the product label, assuring consumers that the supplement meets the highest standards for purity and sustainability.
However, certification is not a one-time achievement.
Step 5: Ongoing Compliance & Annual Inspections
USDA-certificed organic supplement companies must undergo annual inspections to verify they continue to meet organic farming and manufacturing standards, use clean production methods, and implement sustainable packaging practices. Any company that fails to meet these requirements risks losing its certification.
Why Choosing USDA Organic Supplements Is an Eco-Friendly Act
When you choose USDA Organic supplements, you’re making a decision that actively supports a healthier planet.
Organic farming…
- Reduces harmful chemicals in the environment. Conventional agriculture relies on synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, many of which end up in the soil, water, and air. USDA Organic farming bans these harmful substances, leading to cleaner soil and water while reducing toxic exposure for farmworkers and communities.
- Protects pollinators and biodiversity. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are essential for global food production. By avoiding toxic pesticides and preserving natural ecosystems, organic farms support pollinator-friendly, biodiverse habitats.
- Encourages ethical and sustainable business practices. Organic certification requires strict documentation and third-party verification. Certified brands can’t just promise quality and environmental responsibility – they must prove it.
- Creates consumer demand for a greener future. As more people choose to buy USDA Organic supplements, they send a clear message to the industry – sustainability matters. Higher demand for organic products encourages more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices, invest in green innovations, and support regulations for clean, sustainable agriculture.
USDA Organic for a Healthier Planet and a Healthier You
At Global Healing, we believe that true wellness starts from within. That’s why our supplements are crafted with the highest-quality organic ingredients, sourced with integrity, and manufactured with sustainability in mind.
We proudly make your favorite products in our independently owned, USDA-certified organic facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
Shop our organic herbal supplements to take a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future. Live naturally to heal fully.
Posted in: Nutrition > Supplements,
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
