Question

1-Discuss what “organic” means for different foods.

2-What are potential health benefits of organically produced foods?

3-What are potential benefits for the environment?

4- Explain the four categories of organic labeling for foods with more than one ingredient.

Answer 1

1 Organic refers to foods which are produced by methods following the standards of organic farming.It is an approach which aims to work towards environmentally,socially and economically sustainable production.In the case of composite foods which is most often labelled as organic ,it is recommended that 95% of the ingredients must be organic.Organic foods are minimally processed,no hormones added,antibiotics,sweetners and food colours .

2 Organically produced foods are rich in nutrients and oxidants.it has higher nutritive value than the conventional methods.it is fresher and grown with natural fertilizers.it is free from genetically modified organisms.

3 Organic foods avoids synthetic chemicals and thereby does not pose any risks to soil and water and thereby prevents contamination.it helps in maintaining the bio-diversity.The crop methods used in farming of organic uses environmennt friendly measures.it helps in preserving local wild life.

4 The four categories of organic labelling of foods

• 100% Organic-As the name suggests it purely organic with no added ingredients with the exclusion of water and salt.products may contain USDA seal and certifying agent seal .
• Made with organic products -This type of foods are often labelled as made with organic ingredients.it cannot be produced using any of the processess which is prohibited by NOP..
• Processed foods containing organic ingredients-it should contain minimum 70%organic ingredients otherwise it cannot use the term organic.
• Other organic food label chains- it comes with labels such as no drugs or growth hormones used or sometimes as free range or sustainably harvested.