The problem:
Some of the 'healthiest foods', i.e., the foods highest in essential nutrients and are familiar, affordable and great tasting, are the same foods that are artificially, chemically, synthetically and genetically produced. As a result of this, the human body is not only being robbed of the nutrients it needs to sustain itself, but it is also being exposed to dangerous chemicals that can cause serious harm. And that's the dilemma. But it doesn't have to be a dilemma any longer because we have found the solution to the problem.
The solution:
Organic foods. Let's take a look at what organic foods are. What are organic foods? The term 'organic food' has two meanings, a popular meaning and a legal meaning. Firstly, the popular, customary meaning of organic foods refers simply to all foods that are produced naturally.
One might think then, that according to this definition all food must be organic since all food is derived from some natural source, i.e., a plant or animal. But this is where the second definition, the legal definition, of organic food makes a clear distinction between organic and other types of food.
According to the legal definition, organic food is food from plants and animals that is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, artificial pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones, feed additives or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
With this legal implication, it means that organic foods must be certified organic according to legal specifications by a certified body and for standard and simplicity reasons it is the legal definition of organic food that is used to determine whether foods are organic or non-organic.
Here are some other things you should know that will help you understand that organic foods more than just foods that are produced without chemicals. Where the law and science are concerned, to be deemed organic, foods must meet stringent criteria.
Here's what you should know:
Natural does not constitute organic. Natural is a term that many grocers and consumers use to describe that foods have been minimally process or contain no preservatives. Natural foods may include organic foods, but not all natural foods are organic.
Organic foods don't just grow on trees. Ironic, but true. For those products that are organic or have been made from organic ingredients and materials, a seal of organic authenticity is usually shown on the package.
All food that is sold as organic must come from growers, processors or importers who are registered with a certified body and subjected to regular inspection Foods that are 100% organically grown or processed can be registered with the appropriate authorities in order to benefit from carrying the organic seal on their packages.
Foods that are 95% organically produced or processed can also qualify for the authenticated organic seal. Foods that are at least 70% organic will not qualify for the seal, but are entitled to list the organic ingredients on the front of the package.
Foods that are below 70% organically produced cannot list their organic ingredients on the front of the package but are allowed to list them on the side.
Seals such as the seals issued by the USDA ensure that consumers are purchasing organic products as opposed to marketing gimmicks that lead consumers to believe that they are purchasing when they are really purchasing foods that contain very little organic ingredients.
Official bodies such as the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the legal definition of organic food and this has helped consumers, grocers and farmers alike to understand that there is a difference between organic and non-organic foods, and the difference lies in the way that organic, as opposed to non-organic, foods are produced.