How To Define Organic

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by: GrangerThomias
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Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2010 Time: 1:12 AM
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Are you confused when "organic" is used in a description? It's easy to be cynical when even junk foods like potato chips claim to be organic.
Organic is screamed in all types of advertising, on our food packaging, make up and more. The concern is, there's not much tested information around to answer the question "what is really organic?" Should we really trust the labels on our consumer goods?

Webster's Dictionary Definition Of Organic

The first place to start finding an accurate definition is with the dictionary. The website Dictionary.com describes organic as:

" pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals: organic farming; organic fruits. [.]"

There were 14 points in that particular definition, and only at point 11 do we get some idea of what 'organic' might mean for goods we use everyday.

What will organic mean in simple terms? One simple definition is that chemicals have not been applied to fertilize the crops (or as pesticides). It also means that the land used to grow crops is farmed organically.

The word organic also means that animals used for meat have to be kept entirely organically: they can't be treated with any kind of growth hormones or antibiotics, and can be fed organic feed.

In general terms, organic refers to farming methods rather than animal welfare. It's pertinent to bear this in mind when you make any ethical decisions about the products you would like to eat.

Is Organic Labeling Accurate?

There are strict standards concerning which products canlegally label themselves as "organic". The USDA defines three tiers of organic produce:

1) Products made completely from organic ingredients and methods may be labeled "100% organic" and display the USDA seal.
2) Products with at least 95% organic ingredients can use the label "organic" and display the seal.
3) Products containing at least 70% organic ingredients can be labeled "made with organic ingredients".

(Full information can be found on the USDA website.)

Producers who falsely label their product as organic can be fined up to $11,000 for each occurance. It's important to note that every country has its own laws concerning the use of the term organic, and some may not administer it so strictly.

Pay Attention To The Labeling

Although there are requirements in place, at least in certain countries, about the use of the term organic on labeling, it can still be misleading. As an example, organic doesn't mean that the products are from the area, or that the food is healthier for you (though there is evidence to suggest that not eating chemical pesticides/ fertilizers is better for our health).

An a similar note, don't be fooled by terms such as "natural" or "healthy" - these don't have strict standards like the term "organic". In fact, they can mean anything. A "natural" beauty product could still be made with dangerous additives.

It isn't always easy to know what's good for our health or the world arround us, but bringing up questions like "what does organic mean?" will certainly set you off on the right path.

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