In order for food to be labeled “Organic,” it must be produced according to strict legally regulated organic standards, which vary between crops and animal products. For animal products, they must be maintained without the use of growth hormones at all or the routine use of antibiotics.

Standards are stricter on organic crops, which must be grown without using chemical pesticides and fertilizers and must be processed without food additives or ionizing radiation.

Beyond limitations on chemicals and additives, organic food is attractive to many because it has been historically produced by small, family-run farms. However, with sales for Organic food climbing, larger companies are jumping into the mix. This means that a wider selection of organic products are now available at retail stores like Pete's Fresh Market.