Definition of Organic Food

by Webmaster, All4NaturalHealth.com

The critical importance of the definition of organic food is for the benefit of the consumer.

Along the path of its evolution, many people have had different ideas about what organic farming and organic food should be about. Essentially, though, the whole idea of "organic food" has several elements - environmental concerns, concerns with soil quality and fertility, and health issues being the key ones.

Consumers who purchase their organic produce from small local farmers are able to speak directly with the farmers as well as observe his farming practices.

However, with the growth in demand for organic foods, and for the benefit of consumers in cities, it became necessary to arrive at a compromise for an official definition of organic food, as well as for formal certification procedures to be put in place.

This is done to enable consumers to know and be confident about the quality standards under which organic foods are grown and produced; tellingly, any sort of definition of organic food accepted by farmers and food producers would not be very useful if it did not provide this information / certification to food buyers.


Definition of organic food - main elements

It has been generally accepted that organic farming and organic food definition must entail the following elements:

  • Synthetic fertilizers must not be used. Instead, organic materials such as animal and plant wastes, compost, including crop residues, are used.

  • The soil is kept fertile through the use of animal and plant waste; however, sewage sludge is strictly not allowed.

  • Synthetic pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc must not be used. Instead, natural means of pest control, for example by allowing organisms (e.g. ladybugs) which eat pests to thrive, are practiced. In fact, populations of these organisms are deliberately built up. Natural agents are also allowed, although in controlled amounts.

  • Crop rotation is practiced. This helps to preserve and even enhance the quality of the soil, and also encourages a balanced and diversified ecosystem to thrive. It also helps in weed control.

  • Cover crops are grown. Cover crops are used to restore nitrogen and organic matter into the soil.

  • Genetic engineering and modification must not be involved - much of the dangers of GM are presently still unknown.

  • Plant produce must not be irradiated. That process damages the food and makes it harmful to us.

  • No chemical preservatives, flavorings or additives must be added to the foods.


    Animals can be considered organically raised if the following conditions are met:

  • They must be fed organic food, e.g. organic grains. Commercially farmed animals are often given unhealthy junk foods, including the remains of other animals, which are sometimes diseased.

  • They must not be given artificial hormones, antibiotics, drugs, steroids, etc.

  • They must be given access to open land, being able to attain fresh air and sunshine. Commercially farmed animals are raised in cramped and filthy conditions, with no access to the outdoors.

  • Genetic engineering or modification must not be involved. No playing god.

  • The meat and other animal food products must not be irradiated. As mentioned above, the process damages food and makes it harmful when consumed by humans.

  • No chemical preservatives, flavorings or additives must be added to the meat.


    Organic certification - meeting the definition of organic food

    Organic certification, usually indicated by a label or symbol, and usually accompanied by the words "certified organic" or words to that effect, is a guarantee that the product and its raw ingredients have been produced according to certain standards set for farmers, food manufacturers, etc.

    Strict standards of quality for growing, handling and production have to be met.

    Typically, some standards which have to be met by organic farms and food manufacturers include: annual inspections; regular testing of the water and soil used; keeping of records of purchases and practices; and the requirement for a farm to be using organic methods for at least 3 years, before their produce can be certified as organic, i.e. no prohibited substances must be applied to the farming land in that time period.

    Surprise inspections are also carried out, while residue tests on organic products may also be conducted.

    According to regulations, organic foods must not contain artificial hormones, antibiotics, genetically modified organisms (GMO), hydrogenated fats, thousands of different kinds of artificial flavorings, chemical additives, chemical preservatives, etc, among other chemicals which are allowed in conventional food products.


    Agencies overseeing the certification and definition of organic food

    The legal definition of organic food falls under the purview of various agencies and authorities in their respective countries. This is an international symbol which you may have previously seen.

    Organic Logo - International

    In the U.S, organic farming and food production is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) via the National Organic Program (NOP). You may find the following symbols familiar.

    Organic Logo - USDA Organic Logo - NOP

    In the U.S, when a food product is labeled "organic", that indicates that at least 95% of its ingredients must be certified organic. When it is labeled "100% organic", then, well, I think that's self-explanatory. When it is labeled "made with organic ingredients", then the minimum proportion of organic ingredients is 70%.

    The 95% requirement also applies to Australia. In Australia, you may have seen the following label.

    Organic Logo - Australia

    According to Wikipedia, organic certification in various countries are regulated under the following agencies and standards:

  • Australia - NASAA Organic Standardhttp://www.nasaa.com.au/steps1.html
  • Canada - Canada Gazette, Government of Canada http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2006/20061221-x6/html/extra-e.html
  • European Union - EU-Eco-regulation
  • India - National Program for Organic Productionhttp://www.apeda.com/organic/
  • Japan - JAS Standards. http://www.maff.go.jp/soshiki/syokuhin/hinshitu/e_label/specificJAS-organic.htm
  • Sweden - KRAVhttp://www.krav.se/sv/System/Spraklankar/In-English/
  • UK - Organic Farmers and Growers Organic Standards http://www.organicfarmers.uk.com/licensees/controlmanual/index.php - Soil Association http://www.soilassociation.org/certification


    Conclusion

    To assist with better selection of healthful food products, it is imperative that you pick up the habit of looking through food labels and scanning through the ingredients list.

    Click here to read more about buying organic food products.

     You may also want to read about the many advantages of consuming organic foods.

    Read More: More on Organic Food | Understanding Nutrition and its Importance | Nutrition Health Articles - Foods, Diets, Supplements, Nutrients and more | Information on some Herbs | Favorite Herbs, Herbals Formulas and Foods | Natural Health Supplements - What to Consider | Home Page | Site Search




    Organic food is undoubtedly best for health. Wish to grow your own organic food? Click here to learn the secrets behind growing healthy organic food from someone who has been producing his own for over 17 years.

    To access another resource, a "take-you-by-the-hand" manual which teaches you how to create and manage your own organic food garden, even if you're a newbie, click here.


    Organic-related Pages

    Introduction | What is Organic Food? | Definition of Organic Food | About Natural and Organic Food - some thoughts | Pros | Advantages of Organic Food Production & Consumption | Health Benefits of Organic Food | Benefits of Consuming Organic Meats | Organic Food Benefits Children Too | Eating Organic | Challenges of Eating Organic | Tips for an Organic Diet and Lifestyle | Buying Organic Food - some thoughts | Organic Food Cost - how to lower it | Distinguishing Natural and Organic Foods | More Information | Organic Blog, Websites, Books & Resources









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