Many people think that if something says “all natural,” that it is a healthy food. This is a common mistake that a lot of companies are counting on consumers to make in order to sell more product at a higher price. According to OrganicConsumers.org, “approximately 2/3 of the products sold by Whole Foods Market and their main distributor, United Natural Foods (UNFI) are not certified organic, but rather are conventional (chemical-intensive and GMO-tainted) foods and products disguised as “natural.”" Consumers are left footing a higher bill for a product that they think is healthier, when in all reality they have been subjected to a marketing ploy.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of wonderful and healthier products out there that are labeled natural, but it’s still important to know the difference between natural and organic.
All Natural
According to the FDA, food can only be labeled all natural if it contains no artificial ingredients or added colors and is minimally processed. Animals and products artificially raised through hormones and genetically modified organisms (GMO) can still be labeled natural. There are a multitude of additives that are on the “all natural list”, that should not be! Many of these do not have to be included on ingredient labels if the company lists “natural flavor” on the product. I wonder what all they try to hide behind that generic term?
USDA Organic
For something to receive USDA Organic certification it must meet the following requirements: ”Farm avoidance of most synthetic chemical inputs (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc), genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge (Wikipedia)” (can you believe they even have to say this last one??). The farmland also has to have been free from synthetic chemicals for at least three or more years. Unfortunately, just recently the organic companies caved and our now agreeing to allow GMOs in some organic products.
Label Differences:
- Products labeled as “100 percent organic” must contain (excluding water and salt) only organically produced ingredients and processing aids.
- Products labeled “organic” must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
- Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients” and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel (USDA).
I’m not suggesting everyone throw out everything in their cabinet that says “all natural,” but it is important to know the difference between natural and organic in order make your plans for healthier eating. It’s also important to know the difference so that you are not wasting your money. The higher prices for “natural” items are based on the fact that consumers think they are getting a healthier product. Paying organic prices for a natural non-organic product is just not thrifty in my book.
Do you find that your store frequently charges higher prices by marketing “natural” products like organic, healthy items?
Related Articles:
Is Organic, Fair-Trade Coffee Worth the Extra Cost?
Baby Steps to Eat for Your Health Part One
Baby Steps to Eat for Your Health Part Two
Sources:
Print This Post
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for this great explanation, Crystal! I also cannot believe they have to the include the use of sewage sludge in that list!! YUCK!!
I think this a great, simple primer on organics.
I just wanted to clarify one thing in your paragraph about “all natural” foods – the FDA does not define the word “natural” for labeling purposes so many products that are labeled just “natural,” if you turn them over and look at the ingredients, can be full of all sorts of chemicals.
The FDA DOES define the term “all natural,” however, and I think when you were saying “natural” you meant “all natural.” Most people don’t realize there’s a regulatory difference (I only do because my dad works in the industry and he explained to me the defined terms and what could and couldn’t be done.)
I know Log Cabin Syrup was being sued by Vermont sugarers because they had “all natural” on their label – but they are complying with FDA regulations, even if the syrup is only 4% maple syrup! They are being sued for exactly what you talked about here – that people see “all natural” and think that means it’s organic. (Kinda like people think organic means healthy even when it’s pop and cookies, but that’s another story…)
It’s funny you say organic doesn’t mean healthy because that is actually part two! lol
Thanks for noticing my error!
Note that there is also an exceptions list for organics. These are items that can be used and still have the produce qualify as organic. These items on the list are not organic. YOu can find the list on the USDA NOP website. The link is usually on the right.
Something not a lot of people know…
This is perfect. This is exactly what I needed! THANK YOU CRYSTAL!
SEWAGE SLUDGE?!?!?!
Ew, ew, ew, ew!!!!
I can’t believe it…. but then, I guess I can.
Ew.
In reference to the OCS article about Organic Companies caving, the loss was about deregulating GMO Alfalfa, similiar to GMO Corn and Soy (which have already been deregulated). This loss will make it harder for Organic farmers or farmers who do not want GMO seeds to keep them out of thier crops. It is and does Not change the requirement for Organic, which still is no GMO products. This approval by the FDA will make Organic products cost even more, because there will be even more GMO products to compete with.
Agreed. And organic does not mean healthy. Poptarts, white bread, gummies are not healthy even if the are organic. Read labels.
what about organic twinkies?