HOW TO IDENTIFY ORGANIC PRODUCTS & MYTHS AROUND IT
The term organic means the producing plants and rearing animals without the use of unnatural inputs such as chemical fertilizers, hormones, pesticides or any unnatural medicines. Additionally, the process of production also does not modify the food by any chemical food additives or solvents or modify the genetics. Thus, the term Organic refers to both the food and the process used to produce the finished food product. Thus, the organic production of crops and organic rearing of animals is considered safe and provides healthy, unaltered food products. Most importantly, organic production helps ecological sustainability which makes certain the benefit of all living being.
Identifying Organic food items in India Though one may check if the organic food items specifically mention the term “organic” on the packaging, the only sure method to identify organic products is certification.
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Check for logos: Organic products must carry Jaivik Bharat and FSSAI Logo which is the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India’s unified organic food product logo and FSSAI Logo License number.
- Additionally, the product may carry India Organic Logo “NPOP certified” along with FSSAI license number.
- Additionally to Jaivik Bharat logo, the organic product may also carry PGS-India Logo. Under Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) -India system. Under Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) -India system:
Confirm with the Online Database The FSSAI in collaboration with APEDA and PGS-India has built a web-portal to consolidate all the information in form of “Indian Organic Integrity Data Base”. Consumers can access information about the producer, the certification system and the availability of certified organic products by accessing this database.
Myths around Organic Foods
- Organic food is expensive
Though in some commercial stores and retail chains the organic food may cost higher, there are always other options available where consumers can buy organic food products at same price. In fact, there are some organically produced foods which cost less than its non-organic equivalent.
- Organic food is not better or does not have higher benefits from inorganic counterparts
Researches prove that the level of toxins and pesticides in organic food is significantly less than conventionally grown food. Additionally, the process of production of organic food helps in creating food safety, biodiversity and in building the best produce.
- Organic food does not provide better nutrition
Studies show that organic food provides significantly higher levels of nutrients. Organic food reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, pesticides and hormones. They also have greater antioxidant activity, and are more effective in suppressing toxic compounds. Animals that are fed organic foods are shown to develop better immunity.
- Organic products authenticity cannot be checked by consumer
Consumers may get confused by different kinds or “organic labeling” on the food products claiming to be organic. As stated above, the sure way to identify the correct label is to look for authentic labels and certifications. Organic food is expected to turn out into a huge market and it is important that consumers should be aware. By gaining knowledge on the myths and learning to identify the foods correctly, consumers can be sure that they are buying authentic organic products. The government is also helping in regularizing the industry and taking initiatives in providing the right information to the consumer. All products are available on our website
mittalorganics.com Mittal Organics has all necessary National and International certifications and our products meet the given quality standard.
