When it comes to making an organic vegetable, fruit or livestock choice, consumers should know that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a significant role in regulating quality. The quality control exceeds the label that reads:

"USDA Organic" or "certified organic.” Organically farmed foods endure a painstaking process of keeping fruits, vegetables, poultry and livestock natural and free of chemicals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) organic certification program mandates that all foods labeled organic must meet specific criteria and government standards.

Review these organic standards:

- For poultry, organic cultivation must start during a chick’s second day of life.

- For a minimum of three years prior to harvesting, land used for organic agriculture is not allowed to have any prohibited substances applied to the farming land.

- Prohibited substances include and are not limited to the following elements: sewage sludge, potassium chloride and lead salts.

- All organic animal products must be separated from any non-organic products including prohibited substances or chemicals.

- Organic growers are not allowed to employ any type of genetic engineering. Ionized radiation is prohibited too.

- Organically raised livestock must be cultivated organically during the last third of gestation.

- Organic livestock are prohibited from eating foods that are not 100 percent organically grown.

- Hormones and antibiotics are considered prohibited feed substances for organically raised animals.

- Although sick organically raised animals are entitled to treatment any prohibited medications administered to the livestock, it disqualifies them from being sold or labeled as organic.

- Outdoor access. Organically raised animals are required by law to have outdoor access. It includes pastureland for animals to graze in. All animals must be provided with adequate shelter, shade, direct sunlight, fresh air, and room to exercise in.