Advancements in food production and processing technologies
over the last half of the twentieth century were designed to maximize crop
yields, improve the quality of food and extend the shelf life of various foods.
It is only over the past few decades that the long term negative impact of
certain fertilizers, pesticides, and food preservatives and additives have had
on health and diet has come to light.
As a result of these revelations consumers have been
demanding foods which are grown or produced free of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, and free of added preservatives and other harmful additives. This has
given rise to two new categories of food which are rapidly rising in popularity
– “Organic” and “All Natural”.
Consumers looking for these categories of food should keep
in mind the distinction between these two “labels”:
Organic
Organic relates most specifically to how the food is grown
or produced. It means that the organic food is farmed, grown, or otherwise
produced in a way that encourages soil and water conservation, reduces
pollution, and uses non-chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.
The FDA has created a system for identifying foods which are
able to carry the USDA “organic” label.
When you see the “Organic” label it means that it is 100% organic and is made
with 100% organic ingredients. When organic foods are identified as just “organic”
it means that the product is at least
95% organic ingredients and may carry the
USDA label. If a product says it is “Made with organic ingredients” it must
contain at least 70% organic ingredients and may not use the organic label.
All Natural
The labeling of any product as “all natural” should convey
that the product does not contain any added color, artificial flavors, or
synthetic substances. Also referred to as “lightly” processed food, these foods
should contain natural sugars, minimal salt, and no preservatives.
There is currently no government designation or label which
designates food as “natural” or “all natural”. Food labels, however, are
required to list the ingredients of each food item in descending order of
percentage of the ingredient in the food. Be sure to review food labels if you
have any questions.
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