The USDA oversees organic certifications, and their focus is on the source of the materials rather than the testing of final products. A product can contain up to 5% of non-organic material and still be certified and labeled as "organic" as products made with 100% organic ingredients.

Additionally, many large food companies have successfully lobbied for exceptions to the laws, permitting non-organic raw materials (like chemical fertilizers and food colorings) to end up in certified organic products.