Ohio’s First Natural
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What does Organic mean?
Organic refers to the agricultural processing of foods, livestock and fiber in ways that support and enhance the earth’s natural balance, without the use of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. These practices build soil health, prohibit toxic and persistent chemicals, protect water resources, as well as preserving biological diversity. Specific USDA NOP (National Organic Program) guidelines must be met in full for a product to be labeled “Organic.”
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The certification from OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association - www.oeffa.org), a federally accredited independent third-party certification organization, verifies that we handle organic goods according to stringent USDA NOP requirements. www.ams.usda.gov/nop |
The OEFFA certification process confirms that Mustard Seed Market & Café:
- validates the current organic certification status of all organic products we purchase
- maintains an extensive audit trail and record keeping process (insuring organic farm-to-table integrity)
- ensures our organic products are appropriately protected from commingling with conventional products and contamination with prohibited materials
- trains all staff according to the NOP & GORP (Good Organic Retail Practices)
- opens our stores to on-site inspections of OEFFA officials
Does that mean that all of Mustard Seed Market & Café products are organic?
No; however, all foods and beverages carried in our markets and cafes are natural. For us, natural means our products meet strict Quality Standards.
Not familiar with our standards? Our products contain NO artificial flavors, colors, harmful chemical preservatives, saccharin or aspartame. Our meat and poultry are raised without growth hormones or indiscriminate use of antibiotics; we carry no irradiated foods. We offer cruelty free cosmetics.
Supporting farmers and food artisans that produce both natural and organic products from Ohio and around the world.