When most people see the word organic on a food label, their first impression is "Oh, this product has to be good for me." But the actual reality of this situation means that thought can sometimes be pretty far from the real truth.
What Is The Term "Organic" Actually Referring To?
The term organic has certain restrictions and standards that the farmer and producer must adhere to. The common criteria which the grower is held accountable for means none of the following can be used during the growing stage, harvesting or during processing (if necessary):
synthetic pesticides
any fungicides
sewage sludge as a fertilizer
petroleum-based fertilizers
genetically modified organisms (GMO products)
irradiation
Also, if the product is derived from an animal, the following conditions also apply for dairy, meat, eggs and poultry producers:
no hormones or antibiotics for faster growth and health prevention
they must be fed with organic feed
all animals must have access to free range facilities ( be able to get outdoors without a small cage)
Now because everyone must stay within the confines of these parameters, why is it there is such a discrepancy in the term organic? The simple answer - it's usually processing and packaging.
Different Definitions Of The Term "Organics"
Product labeling in the world of food packaging can be designated in three ways. Therefore, just because a manufacturer states the word "organic" on his label, this is not to be construed as a true organic product. The different label distinctions you will commonly see are:
100% Organic - when this labeling is used, these products may carry the USDA Organics Seal because they are grown, harvested and processed (when necessary) without any of the banned USDA restrictions on notice.
Organic - on a package label this is certifying that at least 95% of the food contents is truly organic. The remaining 5% can be any agricultural product on the approved food list. This means pesticides, fertilizers, a spray program etc. can be used as long as the agent in use is not synthetic in origin.
Made With Organic Ingredients - when this is on a packaging label it only states 70% or some greater amount of the product is truly produced organically.
Several companies though in the manufacturing community have tried, usually unsuccessfully, to push this percentage aside and use this designation on their food packaging. Strict adherence is monitored though by several very active national consumer groups to guarantee the public's safety.
The above criteria are the current requirements of all food products grown in or imported into the United States. These criteria are currently overseen by the NOP (National Organic Standards) society and the USDA (United States Department Of Agriculture).
About the Author: Kathi Robinson
If you are in the store looking through the produce, how can you tell immediately if the selection you are purchasing is organic? Check my website at http://www.allergiesandalternativemedicine.com/organic-produce.html for a neat little way to decipher the code.
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