Today, many are looking for organic products as a healthier option or choice in protecting themselves and their family. For this alone reason, it is becoming more and more popular, However, there is still some uncertainty on what organic really means as a consumer so if you are unsure about organic and Australia certified organic standard or definition please keep reading on.
Healthy foods for a better life
What does “organic” mean?
The term organic is currently been used to describe various sustainable agricultural and food items, furniture, textiles, toys, cosmetics, mattresses, beverages, and skin care products. The usage of this word in a different context and association can confuse the best of us.
In many situations, the term organic is misused. Body care products offer a perfect example of when the term organic is incorrectly used; for example, calling a shampoo “organic” that contains harmful chemicals not customarily allowed in organic agricultural products. Therefore, it’s wise to understand organic definition by certified bodies to give the best choices for organic products.
Certified organic covers pretty much every attribute you would expect in an ethically produced product. It means free-range, cruelty-free, pasture fed, socially responsible and grown without chemicals, antibiotics and GM.
According to Australian certificated organic standard (ACOS), an organic product always is considered truly organic when the following conditions are met:
- Pesticides: Foods are produced without using most conventional pesticides
- Fertiliser: Foods are produced without using fertilisers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge
- Bioengineering and Radiation: Foods are produced without the use of bioengineering or ionising radiation
- Antibiotics and Hormones: Organic meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products must be made from animals that do not contain any antibiotics or growth hormone.
- Sustainable Practices: The production process of organic products must use renewable resources and conserve soil and water to enhance the best environmental quality for future generations.
- Pests and diseases: Pests, diseases and weeds are proactively managed by any combination of the following:
- Appropriate selection of genetic stock;
- Biological control agents and the protection of predator habitats;
- Rotational and livestock grazing programs, companion planting, trap cropping;
- Biodynamic measures;
- Under organic definitions, the products can be labeled as “100% organic” if they contain entire organic ingredients, and labeled as “organic” if they contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients or “made with organic ingredients” (contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients, but cannot have the Organic seal on the package). However, the Organic seal doesn’t mean that a product is free of non-genetically modified organisms as only products labelled 100% organic are guaranteed GMO-free.
The products sealed as “100% organic” are environment-friendly
For organic farm animals, they must meet the following standards:
- cannot be given any hormone to make them grow
- cannot be produced from cloned animals
- have to be fed natural GMO-free food
- have to be free range
- have to be free from antibiotics, drugs and wormers (at the time of sale)
Why should we purchase organic products?
There are many factors which may influence your decision to buy or not to buy organic products. So, consider these:
- Nutrition: The Australian certificated organic standard makes no claims that organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods. However, it’s safer than non-organic foods as organic foods come from trusted sources.
- Quality and Appearance: Organic foods are required to meet strict quality standards. Organic products differ from conventional products in the way they are grown, handled, and processed. You can find that organic foods spoil faster because they are not treated with preservatives or waxes. Besides, do not be too surprised when seeing less-than-perfect looks – sometimes organic products may appear in oddly shaped, have colour variations, or be smaller in size. But remember that ugly appearances do not indicate any problems with quality or safety.
- Pesticides: Today, pesticides and fungicides are usually sprayed on crops to prevent pest damage, moulds and other dangerous diseases. These practices can leave a residue on fruits or vegetables. One reason individuals may purchase organic foods is to limit consumption of these harmful chemicals.
- Environment: People can also purchase organic products to support a healthy and natural environment. Organic products are produced to converse soil and water to help ensure environmental quality for future generations.
- Cost: Organic products often cost more expensive than conventional foods. Higher prices are due to more expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields. Because organic farmers don’t use any herbicide or pesticide, many management tools that are applied to control weeds and pests in the crop. However, in time organic prices will come down as they master their craft and as farmer join this industry.
- Taste: Some people say that they can taste the difference between organic and non-organic food. Others say they find that there are no differences. Taste is a subjective and personal factor, so the decision is based on you.
- Food safety and water: According to the organic standard, water used for irrigation shall not pose food safety risks arising from toxic substances. Where the concern is noted regarding safety or quality issues, a monitoring and testing program may be required by the operator that verifies the ongoing safety of supply. Irrigation water used shall comply at a minimum with standard irrigation water quality criteria. Water arising from conventional production systems is restricted for use and shall not be permitted where such water contains contaminants that may affect the organic integrity of products or land.
- Good for Wildlife: Research has shown that organic farming is good for wildlife because it creates less pollution from produces and sprays less of the global warming gas carbon dioxide. Organic farms and ranches always use far less fossil fuel, emit far less methane and nitrous oxide, and can safely sequester large amounts of CO2 in the soil (up to 7,000 pounds of CO2 per acre per year, every year.)
When you don’t purchase organic products, you’re exposing your body to an incredible amount of harmful chemicals and pesticide residue
How to find out the organic food
- Appearance: If it is naturally and organically grown, no two items will look identical… ever! It’s just not possible to find two things that look alike. No two leaves of the same mango tree will ever look 100% alike. Similarly, each apple, mango or even grain will always look different from another. Their colour, shape and structure will never be uniform.
- Healthier: Organic make you feel healthier. It is far lighter/easier on the digestive system and also helps reduce acidity and gas related GI issues. You will feel a perceptible difference soon enough.
- Label: After understanding the organic definition, remember to read the label and check for any preservatives present in the product; most preservatives are petroleum based — you surely don’t want to be consuming those!
- Shelf life: It is a myth that organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster; stored in a refrigerator they last for a long time.
Well, if you would like to know more useful information about organic in general, organic definition and organic products, please visit our website at https://naturalorganicliving.com.au/. Thanks for your reading.
