Take precaution when reading labels before Organic Food purchase

Generally when you see the term ‘organic’ on food labels you can be sure that the product had to meet certain standards laid down by the law. These standards may include prohibitions on the use of harmful synthetic substances, genetic engineering, growth hormones, irradiation, antibiotics and artificial ingredients and the application of environmentally friendly farming methods. In the case of farming for meat, poultry, eggs and dairy, the standards will cover the health and welfare of livestock. In other words, they have to be adequately fed, and they must be housed in adequate, sanitary conditions allowing for exercise, freedom of movement, and minimum stress. The standards will even cover the handling of the product – processing, preservation, packaging and even transportation methods must be environmentally friendly and supportive of health standards.


Note, however, that such descriptions on products as ‘natural’, ‘traditional’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ do not necessarily mean the product was grown or processed organically. Also, the description ‘organic’ doesn’t mean the entire product was produced organically. Always read the labels carefully.

Source- Natureschoice

Organic Care and Cooking

Organic Care


Organic care is a way of life.
Organic care also relates to being aware of what you put onto your body. From the use of pesticides in the farming of cotton to the inclusion of synthetic additives in moisturizers and shampoos, many of the items we rely on from day to day contain elements that are not natural.

Organic care continues within your home by having safe, natural organic products. Many of the cleaning products on sale are packed with hazardous chemicals and allergens. What many people don’t realize is that for every chemical laden cleaner in their kitchen closet, there is an equally effective natural alternative. Organic care involves taking a step back from these substances and replacing them instead with natural products like lemon juice, vinegar and salt.

It is all about utilizing natural ingredients that have not been treated with chemical pesticides; it's about buying produce that has not come about as a result of  animals being inhumanely treated or fed on GM products.

However, it is about much, much more. You'll find that it will encourage you to think more deeply about the wider issues connected to food production. So although this decision will undoubtedly offer you an enhanced sense of health and well being, it will also allow you to play your part in making the world around you a better place.

How do I get started?

If what you've read so far has convinced you to think about making the switch to natural cooking, you're probably wondering where to begin. The best idea is probably to start with making little changes. For example:

* Commit yourself to buying 2 or 3 organic products every time you go shopping.

* Start off with everyday groceries like milk, bread and potatoes.

* Start cooking organic food more often than cooking non organic food.

* Find out about local farmers markets where organic produce is sold.

* Conduct some research online to find out which companies support cooking organic

When you first decide to begin cooking organic, it's good to get into the habit of checking the labels on the products you buy. Not everything that says "natural" on the packaging is organic. However, rest assured that the benefits of cooking organic, both to you and to others, far outweigh any little adjustments you may have to make.

Organic Food Production

Organic food production is a heavily regulated industry, distinct from private gardening. Currently, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain special certification in order to market food as "organic" within their borders. Most certifications allow some chemicals and pesticides to be used, so consumers should be aware of the standards for qualifying as "organic" in their respective locales.


Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, food processors, retailers and restaurants. Requirements vary from country to country, and generally involve a set of production standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping that include:

• avoidance of most synthetic chemical inputs (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc), genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge;

• use of farmland that has been free from chemicals for a number of years (often, three or more);

• keeping detailed written production and sales records (audit trail);

• maintaining strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products;

• undergoing periodic on-site inspections.

Advantages Of Organic Food

There are many strong arguments in defending the purchase and consumption of organic food products. Organic farming does not pose the threat of pesticide and chemical run-off which could contamination watersheds and drinking water, while many traditional modern farming methods do just that. Organic farms also tend to maintain richer, more sustainable soil through the use of cover crops, crop rotations and composts. These organic farming methods have been shown to slow soil erosion and it vary the nutrient demands on the soil.


Organic farming methods often produce lower yields than modern intensive methods. This is why food grown organically can often cost twice as much as food grown on non-organic farms. If large farms started replacing modern farming methods with organic methods, the world may see a food shortage emerge.

"Organic" when used on the label of a food product means that the food has been grown on land that has been chemical free for at least three years. Food crops labeled organic must also be grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.