By specialty

Testing under the organic standards verifies the non-GMO status of organic products.

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  Certifying agents conduct residue testing to determine if prevention practices are adequate to avoid contact with prohibited substances such as pesticides, antibiotics, and GMOs.
  
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  Testing is conducted as part of required periodic testing established in the law and regulations. It is also conducted when contact with GMOs is suspected, or when a certifier or NOP receives a complaint.
  
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  Testing is used to determine whether certified operators have adequate GMO avoidance measures in place. Certifiers must issue non-compliance notices to organic operations that fail to take adequate measures to avoid contact with GMOs. Failure to correct non-compliances may result in loss of certification.
  

Other benefits of buying organic.

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  The organic regulations require certified operators to build healthy soils and promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
  
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  Buying organic foods promotes public health and the health of the environment because in addition to the prohibition of GMOs, the use of toxic and pervasive pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers is not allowed.
  
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  Animals raised organically must not be treated with antibiotics, growth hormones, or other artificial drugs.
  
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  Some studies show that organic foods have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts.
  
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  Processed organic products are produced under strict certification standards, and must not contain artificial preservatives, colorings, or flavor. Ionizing radiation is prohibited.
  

A global survey from Nielson finds that 73% of consumers want to change their consumption habits to eat healthier and reduce the environmental impact. Since cooking, working and staying home have defined the past year, many of us are looking more closely at our grocery lists to select foods that meet this need.
When it comes to understanding what’s in your food and achieving your goal, you may be confused about the difference between organic and non-GMO. Or, you ask, “Is there a label to look for?” And how do you know if the fruits and vegetables you are eyeing at the grocery store really are organic food?
To help you confidently make choices, our experts at NSF have done their homework to answer your top three questions about organic and non-GMO. Here’s the inside scoop.