What must USDA organic products meet to be certified, according to regulations?

To be certified as USDA organic, products must adhere to strict production and labeling requirements set forth by the USDA. This certification process emphasizes the use of sustainable agricultural practices and prohibits synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The requirements also include maintaining organic integrity through careful handling, processing, and labeling. This means that producers must follow specific guidelines throughout the lifecycle of the product, from planting to harvesting, processing, and ultimately selling. This helps ensure that consumers can trust that the products they purchase are genuinely organic and produced with safety and environmental stewardship in mind.

The other options do not align with USDA organic standards. For instance, products cannot be certified organic if they are produced with growth hormones or artificial preservatives, as these contradict the principles of organic farming. Additionally, the notion of an expiration date is not relevant to organic certification, as all food products must comply with safety and labeling regulations regardless of their organic status.