What is Organic Food

Have you ever ever questioned why sure meals are labeled as "natural"? In line with surveys, over half of Individuals have bought natural meals merchandise lately. Since Oct. 21, 2002, any meals that's bought within the U.S. -- whether or not produced regionally or imported -- should meet particular requirements outlined by the U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA) to hold the label "natural."

Natural meals are grown and processed in a different way than common meals. The USDA definition of natural meals states that:

Natural meals is produced by farmers who emphasize the usage of renewable assets and the conservation of soil and water to reinforce environmental high quality for future generations. Natural meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy merchandise come from animals which are given no antibiotics or development hormones. Natural meals is produced with out utilizing most standard pesticides; fertilizers made with artificial substances or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Earlier than a product will be labeled "natural," a Authorities-approved certifier inspects the farm the place the meals is grown to verify the farmer is following all the principles obligatory to fulfill USDA natural requirements. Firms that deal with or course of natural meals earlier than it will get to your native grocery store or restaurant have to be licensed, too.

"Pure" vs. "natural"

Whereas you may even see labels that assert {that a} meals is "pure," "pesticide-free," or "hormone-free," these phrases shouldn't be thought of synonymous with the time period "natural." The USDA defines natural meals as merchandise which are not less than 95% natural in line with the usual utilization of the time period. If producers want, they could use the USDA natural seal when advertising their merchandise. Merchandise that include 100% natural substances could also be labeled as "100% natural." Use of the USDA seal shouldn't be necessary, nonetheless, so you could not see the seal on all natural merchandise.

Within the U.S., essentially the most generally bought natural meals are vegetables and fruit, which account for over 70% of organic meals purchases. Due to the requirements required to supply natural meals, these meals are typically dearer than their non-organic counterparts.

Are natural meals more healthy than meals with out the USDA natural seal?

Whereas the USDA strictly regulates the usage of the time period natural in reference to meals merchandise, the company itself doesn't make any claims that natural meals are more healthy or safer than meals that don't carry this label.