Requirements for the USDA Organic Seal and the MOSA Logo
All labeling requirements are described at National Organic Standards sections 205.303-.311. These also include special requirements for products with less than 70% organic content, for feed products, for non-retail labels, and for other market information.
The USDA Organic Seal may only be used for 100% Organic or Organic products. The USDA Organic Seal may go anywhere on the package or may be used in marketing information related to certified organic products. Seal use includes some color and style restrictions as described at National Organic Standards section 205.311. For example, the Seal may be black and white, or it may be green and white with a brown outer circle. An updated version of the organic seal with the registration mark ® is available for download in multiple file formats on the AMS website. Certified organic operations are not required to change their labels to include the registration mark ® of the seal, and certified organic products currently in the marketplace still meet the requirements of certification.
Visit the United States Department of Agriculture for USDA Organic Seal logos and usage requirements.
The MOSA Logo may be used on any MOSA certified organic product, or in marketing information, provided that its use is not misleading regarding what products are certified.
The MOSA logo is available in color, or in black and white versions. It is also available reversed (white) for printing on dark backgrounds. You cannot modify the colors or the shape of the MOSA logo. If both the MOSA logo and the USDA Organic Seal are used, the MOSA Logo may not be individually displayed more prominently than the USDA Organic Seal.
Retail labels for certified organic products must identify the name of the certifier on the information panel. This certifier identification must go immediately below the information identifying the certified handler or distributor of the product. Typically, the required certifier identification will be a statement saying “Certified Organic by MOSA.” MOSA’s logo can be used in place of the statement, as long as it is properly placed immediately below the information identifying the certified handler or distributor.
Most certified organic products must also identify organic ingredients as organic, in the ingredient statement on the information panel.
The labeling requirements describe other details, such as using organic percentage statements, specific food groups that may be listed on a “made with organic …” label, requirements for shipping containers, and international requirements. Contact MOSA for details.
All labels (all skus) must be approved before use. MOSA can give assistance on organic requirements as labels are developed.
Anyone who sells or labels a product "organic" when they know it does not meet USDA standards can be fined up to $11,000 for each violation.
The MOSA logo is copyrighted and cannot be used for any other purpose without express written permission. Contact MOSA for more information.
Visit the United States Department of Agriculture for USDA Organic Seal logos and usage requirements.
The MOSA Non GMO™ Logo Usage and Trademark Information
Clients who are certified by MOSA are also eligible to use the supplemental MOSA Non GMO logo on labels, packaging, websites, and promotional materials. The MOSA Non GMO logo cannot appear without the MOSA logo - it is for marketing and educational purposes only. When the MOSA Non GMO logo is used, it must immediately follow the MOSA Certified Organic logo (to the right) and must be the same size and color scheme as the MOSA logo. Neither logo may be altered in any way.
Example of the Logos with Proper Placement and Formatting:
Please note that the MOSA Non GMO logo is a marketing claim that is not affiliated with the USDA.
If the MOSA Non GMO logo is used on product labels, it must comply with the rules set forth for logo use and labeling by the USDA National Organic Standards and must be approved for use by MOSA.
The MOSA Non GMO logo is available in the same formats and color schemes as the MOSA Certified Organic logo (color, black, white, and color with white lettering).
The MOSA Non GMO logo is a trademark of MOSA Certified Organic (Midwest Organic Services Association) and is intended solely for use by our certified organic clients. All other usage is prohibited.
