Sunday, April 24, 2011

Organic Vs Natural Foods

Taking a stroll through the supermarket, you see a wide variety of labels claiming this food method is better and healthier compared to one alongside it. Unfortunately, some marketing practices either lack integrity or lack knowledge - or even a little of both. Same with there a noticeable difference between Organic and Natural claims on the label? Usually, yes.

To be labeled Organic in the usa, the product must stick to strict regulations imposed through the USDA's National Organic Program. A few of these regulations include: the floor must be natural and chemical free for Three years prior to selling crops as organic; limitations on vaccines and hormones directed at animals, including poultry, beef cattle, and dairy cattle; and particular processing and labeling requirements.

Natural, however, has no regulations in the usa. Simply speaking, if something says it's "Natural," it's claiming that it's natural through the definition of the producer or manufacturer. Some believe using Round-Up along with other such products is natural. Some believe there's nothing wrong with spraying weeds, giving animals hgh, or using fertilizers.

And there are several who take the phrase Natural to mean "the most basic way of life for plants and animals." These folks don't use chemicals, but instead use alternative way to get rid of weed and pest problems through crop rotation, hand-picking, along with other ways that aren't detrimental towards the plant. They permit nature to consider its course with animals, giving the livestock use of pasture, space to maneuver, and accepting the natural growth rather than attempting to defy nature through hgh. Often times these items could become qualified as being organic.

How can the typical consumer know they're buying something which is actually natural and healthy? Look into the label. It's often a safe bet if your product has more the other or two impossible to pronounce, scientific sounding ingredients, it's no healthier then your box alongside it that does not claim to be natural. Use local suppliers you are aware of trust. If you do not know local farmers personally, you might know someone who, and you never know the farming practices used. Farmers generally don't, from what I have seen, hide the truth that they spray weeds, or the things they use. So an easy solution, ask.

If you ever doubt the validity of the "natural" claim, and should not get an answer that satisfies your wish to have the healthiest, most basic food available, do not buy it. And when you ever doubt the validity of the "Organic" claim, USDA regulations require certification agency be on the product. Call the agency and get if the method is indeed certified organic. Organic certification agencies are here not just to give out certificates stating an item is organic. It's also their job to make sure consumers that everything possible continues to be done to insure the integrity from the organic industry and also the organic status from the products available on the market.

ics-intl.com

No comments:

Post a Comment