Organic is not just on food either. If you are the mom of an asthmatic, allergenic, or an eczema child, you might look for that label to mean less additives or chemicals. Can we trust it?
In order to make an informed decision on whether you want to integrate organic into your life, it's important to understand it. Let's chat.
What is Organic?
I'll start off by saying that I wrote a blog on this in 2011, and I am surprised to see that not much has changed from a labeling standpoint. I can't believe that everything I'm about to tell you has been in place since 2002. Foodies think we're so progressive.....
In order for a product to display the USDA Organic Seal of approval pictured above, at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients need to be organic. Only producers who sell less than five thousand dollars of product a year are exempt from certification and are not expected to follow USDA standards. There's always a loophole isn't there?
There are many other labels you may see on your food, so be aware. This is where it pays to do your research, or read our blogs.
Organic - 95-99% of everything, plus ingredients (by weight), is organic. The remaining ingredients are not available as organic but have been approved by the NOP (National Organic Program-run by the USDA).
Made with Organic Ingredients- 70-94% of ingredients are organic. They will not have the USDA Organic seal but can list up to 3 organic ingredients on the package.
Other- contains less than 70% of organic ingredients. The product may list organic ingredients on the information panel of the packaging, but not on the principal display panel.
How is it regulated?
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| The Gorgeous Fairfield Farm, Eastern NC |
I interviewed George Jenkins, my friend, and owner of Fairfield Farms in Eastern Carolina who explained the rigorous regulations of becoming an Organic farm. First off, you must operate on "raw organic properties" for 3 years until you can get certified to be organic. You then apply for certification and follow strict guidelines outlined by the USDA. After applying, you will work with certified entities throughout the United States. The certified entities will certify products such as crops, livestock, processed products, or wild crops. Once certified, you must have a third party auditor come in for yearly inspections to ensure you are using 100% organic products and appropriately cleaning any machinery you are using on your non organic products prior to working with the organic products. Don't forget you will need money, money, money.
Food for Thought....
While talking to George we had a very interesting discussion:
1) You can still be purchasing food labelled Organic that is coming from Mexico, China, or more than 500 miles away. Is this really fresh? Who knows what the Organic regulations are outside of the United States?
2) Even though a food is labelled Organic, the producer is still using pesticides and fertilizers, they are just organic. There's little research to tell us if these pesticides and fertilizers are really safer just because they sport the Organic seal. Also, it's important to understand that the USDA organic regulations do not require certification of inputs, such as fertilizers, soil amendments, and pest control materials.
3) A consumer needs to know what they are trying to avoid. Is it the hormones in the chicken? There's plenty of farmers who produce hormone free chicken. If that's the case, do you really need to buy organic? What's more important a label or ingredients?
4) Organic products are more expensive because the operations to produce the product are significantly more expensive. Just because it's more expensive, doesn't mean it's the healthier option!
5) Skin care, hair products, baby care products, etc...are NOT regulated in the same way. Cosmetic companies using ORGANIC as an advertised label do not have to undergo strict regulations. USDA only regulates agricultural products.
Bottom Line: Be a smart consumer. Is organic worth your $$?
Next week we will offer an alternative solution and debate: Local vs Organic!
In good health,
Amy & Kris
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