Many natural grocery stores carry both all natural and organic items, leaving some customers who want to go green wondering what the differences between the two are. Most people point to the USDA's definitions to determine the main characteristics for each type of food, but there's more to it than that.
USDA Definition of Organic
There are several factors the USDA uses to determine whether or not a product qualifies for the category. Organic farming utilizes agricultural techniques relying on renewable or sustainable resources designed to preserve the soil and water for future generations. The farmers do not use chemical-based or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and they take precautions to reduce the exposure of their crops to pollution occurring through the air, the soil and the water.
Other products must meet additional regulations in order to be USDA Organic. For example, meat, poultry, eggs and other dairy products must come from animals that have not received antibiotics or growth hormones. Although not required, many farmers who undergo organic certification also practice free range or cage-free techniques.
The growing conditions for products and animals aren't the only thing included in the USDA's oversight. In order for a food to use the label as marketing, it must also undergo processing at a place that maintains the USDA standards for processing.
Natural Definitions Vary by Agency
While the USDA oversees and certifies organic products, the same isn't true of natural products and foods. According to the USDA, the term "natural" comes into play with meat and poultry. To qualify, the products must free of artificial flavorings, color additives, synthetic or artificial ingredients, and chemical preservatives. They must also undergo minimal processing.
According to the Web site for Natural Ingredient Resource Center, other organizations also provide definitions for the term, including the following ones:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines natural ingredients as those not synthetically produced and extracted directly from plants and animals.
- The "Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients" defines the term as something derived from an animal, a plant or microbial sources, including ones made through chemical reactions like ion exchange, hydrolysis and acidification.
The Problem With Using Natural as a Label
One of the problems with the term "natural" is the lack of oversight for its use. The Food and Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) monitors the use of the term, but it doesn't have a set definition for it. And for products other than meat and poultry, whether or not to use the label often falls to the producer, not a regulating agency.
As an example, consumers can look at Splenda and its advertising. Its taglines include "Starts with Sugar. Tastes like Sugar. But it's Not Sugar," and "Good for the Whole Family." Consumers unfamiliar with the issues involved with natural products may mistake the advertisement as confirmation that Splenda fits the category, but on its Web site, the company admits the product isn't natural.
Another company using the term for advertisement is 7UP. It labels its drink as "100% Natural Flavors." While the flavors come from citrus products, another ingredient disqualifies the drink as a natural one—high fructose corn syrup.
Applying the Difference between Organic and Natural to Shopping
While a consumer needs to use caution when it comes to purchasing natural products, there are several products using the label that follow healthy practices. The key is to know what to look for in the label. Most companies following sustainable techniques will include the information as part of the packaging. Terms to look for include: "cage-free," "no pesticides," "no hormones," "no GMO," "antibiotic-free," and "no chemicals or preservatives."
Individuals wanting more information on the organic products can visit the USDA Web site. For information on the FSIS's progress toward defining the use for the natural label, people can sign up for updates at the organizations Web site.
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Tara McClendon - Tara McClendon is a Texas-based freelance writer and editor. Aside from writing for Suite101, Tara is currently working on a YA novel ...
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