What Makes a Food Natural or Organic?

People are concerned. Bees are dying, children are unhealthy, and the overuse of antibiotics can create super bacteria. While there are many factors that can contribute to all of these problems, one solution many people choose to turn to is eating natural food. But what does that mean? Does it really make a difference?

Natural vs. Organic

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States says that, “From a food science perspective, it is difficult to define a food product that is 'natural' because the food has probably been processed and is no longer the product of the earth.” As a result, neither the FDA nor the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided a definition for most foods labeled as “natural.” Meats labeled as natural, however, must meet certain requirements, including a lack of added coloring or artificial ingredients, and only minimal processing.

The label “organic,” however, is highly regulated. Foods labeled as “organic” entail no artificial growth hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, GMOs, or fertilizers that use chemicals or sewage sludge. Animals must also be kept under certain welfare requirements, such as allowing cows to pasture. But there are different grades of organic labels.

Organic Labels

Foods that are labeled as “100% organic” must contain ingredients that are completely organic. Foods labeled as “organic” must contain 95% organic ingredients, and no solvents, as these can cause allergic symptoms, such as asthma, in certain people. The label “made with organic ingredients” can be given to foods that contain at least 70% organic ingredients, and no sulfites. All of the percentages exclude water and salt content.

Why Organic?

Many people feel that consuming natural food helps to improve their health. Though many of the links have not been proven, there may be a link between additives, GMOs, and other chemical ingredients with certain health conditions in the people who consume them. Organic foods also offer more humane treatment for animals, and can be better for the environment. Certain pesticides used on crops, for example, may be responsible for the severe decline in the bee population. Reduced use of certain types of chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides can also help to lower soil and water pollution in the area.