Natural And Organic Foods
Natural and organic foods have become a very popular commodity in this day and age. Many of today’s individuals have become very health conscious.
This is seen throughout the media as advertisements in all mediums push for healthier eating, doing more exercise, and losing weight. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ulterior motives when it comes to the media.
Still, the knowledge and advancement of natural and organic foods wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for certain media.
There have been several different definitions given in regards to the terms natural and organic. However the term organic is the only one regulated by the government of the United States.
The other definitions are not really official. I suppose anyone can develop their own definition, so don’t take these as written in stone.
- “Certified Organic: The product has been produced according to the National
Organic Program’s rule and certified to be in compliance with the rule by an
independent , USDA accredited certifier.”
- “Organic, not certified: Only producers who raise less than $5,000 worth of
products per year are eligible to label products “organic” without being certified.
They still must play by the rules, and their products can not be used in foods that
are labeled with the USDA seal.”
- “Natural: The product contains no artificial ingredients or added colors and is
only minimally processed (in a way that does not fundamentally alter the raw
product). The label must explain the use of the term natural (such as ’no
artificial colorings or artificial ingredients’).”
- “Free Range: Usually applied to poultry, this term means any livestock raised
with unlimited access to the outdoors.”
- “Grass-fed: Grass-fed animals (usually cattle or milk cows) are those that eat
only what they were designed to eat: grasses. Organic regulations do not
require grass-feeding exclusively.”
These are probably the most common definitions you will find in a store that sells natural and organic foods. There are a few other definitions, but I didn’t feel they were as common as the one’s above so I didn’t list them.
There is a problem with natural foods not having a means of accreditation. There still is no independent organization involved in its regulation.
Because of this, it makes it more difficult for purchasers to spot a genuinely natural food with all natural claims. This makes it so very important to read labels on food boxes or containers when it is claimed to be natural.
Although there are still issues that surround the validity of the claims of natural and organic foods, favoring them over any other kind of food is a much healthier option.
These foods are grown with the most natural farming methods resulting in more tasty and nutritious food. Buying organic and natural food not only benefit our well being, but also cuts down on pollution, therefore benefiting the environment as well.
Plus, it’s safer for the farmer since he is not exposed to various toxins found in conventional and commercial farming.
When possible, buying natural and organic foods is the way to go.
Sources:
Perry, Luddene and Schultz, Dan. A Field Guide To Buying Organic. New York. Bantam Books. 2005. 20-21.
Top of Natural and Organic Foods
Return to Organic Foods
Home to Healthy Eating
|
