What is organic food and why do some consumers prefer them over other foods? Organic foods are products that are farmed according to environmentally and socially responsible approach and that have been produced in accordance with organic production standards. In simple terms it means the foods have been produced according to natural farming techniques. Organic food is produced without the use of pesticides, herbicides, inorganic fertilisers and animals do not receive antibiotics, animal by-products and growth hormones. Livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products are allowed to be outdoors and are given organic feed. The farming techniques used for organic products are the reason that organic foods are gaining traction as consumers perceive them to be better for health and more nutritious than conventional foods.
In India, farmers and food producers, who wish to market organic foods have to ensure that they are following the production standards and processes as laid down in the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017. These regulations are based on the standards of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India). Consumers will be assured of the genuineness of the products being organic if food producers are in compliance with the regulations. Consumers belief that the products are authentic is one of the other reasons they buy these products despite the higher purchase price.
There is no evidence that organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods though some studies shoe evidence of some differences in the nutrient content of organic and conventional foods. Organic fruits and vegetables have higher amounts of phenolic compounds and so they bring benefits from antioxidant effects. Also, cadmium content in organic cereals is lower. Dairy and meat products that have been organically produced have more omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional products. Some other studies have also found that organic foods have lower nitrate content and this is an advantage as nitrates are linked to increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer. Organically grown leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and chard have higher concentrations of vitamin C.
There are some observational studies that point out that consumers who buy organic foods, tend to have healthier dietary habits as they prefer to buy more vegetables, fruit, wholegrain products and less meat. Since organic food consumption is suggestive of an overall healthier lifestyle, and are more physically active, there is an impact on weight gain and obesity too. Some other studies have recognised that children tend to have fewer allergies and atopic diseases if they eat organic products. So organic food consumption means that the risk of chronic and allergic diseases is reduced.
We can therefore, conclude that while the nutritional value of organic and conventional foods might not differ significantly what matters is that organic foods have several other health benefits. What is relevant is that organically produced animal-based products have much lower levels of antibiotic residues. The use of antibiotics can create antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and cause drug resistance. Also, since the use of synthetic pesticide is restricted in organic foods, hence exposure to pesticide residues in food is also reduced. Organic foods do not contain preservatives either so they are fresher because of the shorter shelf life.
While organic foods are gaining in popularity, there are some consumers who are still hesitant about purchasing them as they are uncertain about the genuineness of the products. They often refrain from buying organic products not only because they are higher priced but they fear that the organic food has been mislabelled and the product is not actually organic. According to the Organic regulations the labelling on the organic food package must “convey full and accurate information on the organic status of the product. Such products may carry a certification mark like the Jaivik Bharat logo.
What consumer should look on the Label of PGS-India Certified Organic Food Products
• FSSAI Logo & License No.
Lic No. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
India Organic Logo (NPOP Logo)
Single ingredient products may be labelled as “Organic” when all standard requirements have been met.
Multi ingredient products where not all ingredients including additives are of organic origin may be labelled in the following way (raw material weight):
- Where a minimum of 95% of the ingredients are of certified organic origin, products may be labelled “certified organic” or similar and should carry the logo of the certification programme.
- Where less than 95% but not less than 70% of the ingredients are of certified organic origin, products may not be called “organic”. The word “organic” may be used on the principal display in statements like “made with organic ingredients” provided there is a clear statement of the proportion of the organic ingredients. An indication that the product is covered by the certification programme should be used, close to the indication of proportion of organic ingredients.
- Where less than 70% of the ingredients are of certified organic origin, the indication that an ingredient is organic may appear in the ingredients list. Such product may not be called “organic”.
Name and logo of the Accredited Certification Body & Accreditation Number.
What consumer should look on the Label of PGS-India Certified Organic Food Products
• FSSAI Logo & License No.
Lic No. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
India Organic Logo
Single Ingredient Products to be labelled as ‘PGS-Organic’.
Mixed/Processed Products to be labelled as ‘PGS-Organic’ (minimum 95% ingredients are PGS-Organic).
The description of the PGS group & unique ID code.
Currently, the NPOP and PGS-India have two separate logos and the FSSAI felt the need to have one unified Organic logo and have unified two separate logos under “Jaivik Bharat” logo. The unified logo will serve as an identification to distinguish organic products from non-organic ones, supported with the tagline “Jaivik Bharat” at the bottom, for easy identification of Organic Food from India. This logo effectively intertwines elements of the environment and communicates adherence to the National Organic Standards.
Sources:
Jaivik Bharat
ResearchGate
NCBI
APEDA
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