What does “organic food” mean?
The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. These products include fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products such as milk and cheese, and meat.
Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as human-made pesticides and fertilizers, and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must be raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (such as the ability to graze on pasture) and fed organic feed and forage. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products.
Organic vs. Non-Organic
EU Organic production rules
These regulations govern all areas of organic production and are based on a number of key principles, such as:
Prohibition of the use of GMOs.
Forbidding the use of ionizing radiation.
Limiting the use of artificial fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
Prohibiting the use of hormones and restricting the use of antibiotics to only when necessary for animal health.
Crop rotation.
Cultivation of nitrogen fixing plants and other green manure crops to restore the fertility of the soil.
Prohibition of use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers.
To reduce the impact of weeds and pests, organic farmers choose resistant varieties and breeds and techniques encouraging natural pest control.
Encourage the natural immunological defence of animals.
To maintain animal welfare and health.
Pros of organic food:
1. Organic food is an environmentally friendly method of production.
2. Organic foods help to support the local economy.
3. Organic foods might be safer to eat.
4. Organic foods reduce the threat of antibiotic consumption.
5. Organic foods are 85% less likely to contain pesticide residues.
6. Organic food is often fresher.
7. Organic food is GMO-free.
8. Organic meat and milk can be richer in certain nutrients.
9. Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in organic farm animals.
10. The lower of Toxic metal levels in organic grains such as cadmium may be related to the ban on synthetic fertilizers in organic farming.
Cons of Organic Food
1. Organic foods take more work to produce.
2. Organic foods are more sensitive to environmental changes.
3. Organic foods have a shorter shelf life.
4. Organic foods are not always available in some communities.
5. Organic foods cost more than items grown through traditional methods.
6. Organic foods offer a higher risk of bacterial contamination.
Organic Labeling Regulations
References
1. Brandon Miller, (2019, Mar 21) Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Food
2. Michelle Brandt, (2012, September 3). Little evidence of health benefits from organic foods, study finds
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2012/09/little-evidence-of-health-benefits-from-organic-foods-study-finds.html
3. Miles McEvoy, (2012, Mar 22), Organic 101: What the USDA Organic Label Means. USA
4. Organic Foods: What You Need to Know
5. Organic production and products, EU
6. Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?
7. (2021, April 26). Is Organic Food Healthier than Non-Organic Food?
Written by: Eng. Farah Kayed Almaareef.
Bachelor’s degree in food science and technology, University of Jordan.
Comments