What Does “Organic” Mean?

Whenever I go grocery shopping, I’m overwhelmed by the number of labels appearing on food products. Is my “natural, sustainably-grown” apple better or worse than an apple with the USDA Organic seal? 

It’s not always clear, but you should know that claims like “natural,” “sustainably-grown,” and “environmentally-friendly” have no agreed upon legal definition. Companies that use these types of terms without providing supporting information are likely trying to greenwash their conventional products. Products that are independently certified are generally more trustworthy. Certified labels for food products include Fair Trade Certified, Marine Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance, Food Alliance, and more. But the most widely-used label is the USDA Organic label, pictured left. Despite the labels popularity, many people don’t know exactly what the label signifies. Here’s a summary:

• “Organic” means that the food was grown without the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic meat and dairy products come from cows that are hormone-free. Organic meat also comes from animals whose feed did not contain pesticides. 
• Products that display the seal are made with at least 95% organic ingredients by weight.
• The remaining 5% of ingredients can come from any substance on the USDA’s list of approved, non-organic substances. These include some food colorings, casings for sausages, and other ingredients.

The exact value of organic food remains a controversial subject. Some organic advocates argue that permitting non-organic substances in “organic” food undermines the value of the label. This movement often talks about the need to “go beyond organic.” Despite the flaws of organic agriculture, it is a reliable way to reduce the amount of pesticides on your food. A study by Consumer Reports found that more than 90% of conventionally-grown crops had noticeable pesticide residues, and many crops have multiple residues. Buying organic reduced pesticide exposure by around 75%. Other studies have found that children who eat an organic diet have considerably lower levels of pesticides in their bodies than children who eat a conventional diet. Buying organic also reduces the amount of pesticides in environment. Americans use about 1 billion pounds of synthetic pesticides a year. Pesticide exposure contributes to higher rates of cancer and other diseases in farm communities. Pesticide run-off can enter the watershed, harming aquatic life and impairing drinking water. For all these reasons, buying organic food whenever possible is a way of protecting the environment and your health.

- Green Irene

To find out more about this and other topics, contact your local eco-consultant.