First and foremost organic foods must not be genetically modified. It must be produced according to certain production standards, meaning it is grown without the use of conventional pesticides (including herbicides), artificial/synthetic fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge, and it cannot be processed without ionizing radiation or food additives.
Organic production standards also include strict rules on the composting and application of manure. Organically raised livestock must be given organic feed and kept free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Organic farm animals must have access to the outdoors, including pastureland for grazing.
When buying organic, look for the following regulated terms on food labels: Food labeled "100% organic" has no synthetic ingredients and can legally use the USDA organic seal. Food labeled "organic" has a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. It is eligible to use the USDA organic seal. Food labeled "made with organic ingredients" must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. It is not eligible for the USDA seal. Meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy labeled "organic" must come from animals that have never received antibiotics or growth hormones.
Go here to read more on organic safeguards.
2 comments:
very interesting-- esp. the labels that they use--and the percentage of organic substance in the package.
There's a dairy around Columbia that the hs went on a field trip last spring. The dairy delivers raw milk to the church where we have some classes-- I got some the other day just to try out-- I made butter!!! Can't wait for the field trip in the spring so I can ask about growth hormones, etc. See ya Tina
I am in the middle of reading The Omnivore's Dilemma and there is an interesting piece about the term organic. Highly suggested reading material!
Found you via NaBloPomo.
Dharma over there
dharmawrites over on twitter
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