Organic food – rational or trendy?
Eco? Bio? Natur? Organic? There are a lot of terms that the producers and sellers of the produce are skillfully using for labeling. So it’s worth finding out what actually lays behind these terms. Is there a difference? Choose consciously!
The difference in terminology is due to the fact that, depending on the country, organic products can be called differently: Germany and Netherlands use “eco”, in France they are referred to as “bio” and in UK and USA as “organic” .
Let’s start with the terminology used in Ukraine.
These are the main concepts used in Ukraine:
- Natural (farmers) produce
- Organic products
- Ecological products
Natural produce (sometimes referred to as farmers) includes products made directly from natural ingredients and without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, GMOs, preservatives and other substances of chemical origin. However, such products may be indirectly affected by elements of chemical origin. Therefore, not everything natural can be considered organic.
Organic production takes into account not only the immediate stages of production, but also secondary channels of formation of product composition.
For example, potatoes that are grown without the addition of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are considered natural. However, to call those potato organic, it is also necessary to take a sample of the soil on which they are grown (it takes at least three years for the soil to eliminate chemical fertilizers completely).
Beef or milk will be considered natural if no preservatives are added during production and the cows are not vaccinated. However, they will only be considered organic if the feed and water for the cattle are test for the absence of chemicals.
Ecological products are at the top of the pyramid of responsibility for mankind and nature. Ecological products will meet the requirements of organic and in addition will take into account the environmental impact in the production process.
For example, products that use packaging from fast-soluble and non-toxic materials that do not accumulate in the soil will be considered environmentally friendly.
Or, if the production requires the use of subsoil or other natural resources, then the producer recycles the materials to be processed or conducts sustainable conservation projects (for example, using wood, planting new forests).
The consumer has the right to obtain information about the organic nature of the product before purchase. For this purpose the whole system of marking products that have passed check for organic and ecological origin has been developed.
How can you know that the product is really natural, organic and environmental?
It’s not enough to just write on the packaging that the product is organic – only an organic certificate gives the right to call the product organic. The guarantee of organic product is the logo of the organic standard on the packaging. Be sure, the organic grade product is controlled from the grain to the shelf of the store.
The following marks indicate the natural and organic origin of the products:
The most common labeling for organic food is the so-called Euroleaf. Permission for such labeling is obtained by products that have been certified by the International Organic Standard Association. The organization complies with European standards for organic production and carefully scrutinizes all stages of the production of applicants.
This certification must also be carried out on annual basis. “Organic Standard” has a high degree of trust among consumers in all countries of Europe, and now in Ukraine.
What guarantees do you get with the “euroleaf” on packing?
- Conformity of production to European organic standards
- Complete inspection of all stages of production
- Annual re-certification of manufacturers
Organic MOL’FAR Tea has also been certified organic, all ingredients of tea are 100% organic, as evidenced by the appropriate labeling on the package.
In general, organic production is not just a conscious effort, it is also a significant benefit for the consumer and society as a whole.
Consume consciously and be healthy!
From the heart, from the soul.