Lauren's Corner

What Does Organic Really Mean?

In the last three years the word organic has been one of the most widely used and abused words used to describe food, clothes and personal care products.
So before you spend your hard earned money on organic products, make sure you know your organic facts and what you are truly purchasing.

How Do I Know If Something Is Organic?

Most important is to make sure you recognize the important seal USDA Organic. October 21, 2002 was the first day that organic farmers and processors began to use the new USDA Seal.

There are four categories of organic labels based on the percentage of organic content.

1. 100% Organic - May carry the USDA Seal.

2. Organic - At least 95% of the content is organic by weight (excluding water or salt) and may carry the USDA Organic Seal.

3. Made With Organic - At least 70% of the content is organic and the front panel of the product may display the phrase "Made With Organic" followed by up to three specific organic ingredients. (May not display the USDA Organic Seal)

4. Less than 70% of the content is organic - and may only list those ingredients that are organic only on the ingredient panel with no further mention of organic on the main panel. (May not display the USDA Organic Seal.)

Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisims, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products do not take any antibiotics or growth hormones.

Do Organic Products Cost More?

Organic food does not always cost more. Some of the staple items like coffee, cereal, bread, eggs and even some meats many cost the same or even less than their conventional counterparts. The reason for this is that as the consumer demand for all organic products continues to grow, the cost will continue to come down. When the cost is higher, consider these facts...

- Organic Farmers don't receive federal subsidies, therefore, the price of organic food reflects the true cost of growing.

- Organic Farming is more labor and management intensive.

- Organic Farms are usually smaller and service their immediate communities. They also do not benefit from economies of scale that larger growers get.

Does Organic Food Taste Better?

Taste is an individual matter, but hundreds of gourmet chefs across the nation are choosing to showcase organic because they believe it is superior in taste and quality. An increasing number of consumers are also of the opinion that organic food is fresher and tastes better. Since Organic food is grown in well-balanced soil, it makes sense that a healthier plant would have better taste. Try Organic food for yourself and see what you think!

To see all of the Organic Programs that we offer here at TopHealthSpot.com, please visit our Organic tab!

Have A Healthy Day!