Organic
In order to bear the seal “USDA Organic,” all food products looking to be deemed so under the term must meet the extensive list of standardized requirements of the National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP, put into effect in 2002 by the USDA, regulates aspects of farming methods pertaining to both crops and livestock. And although a producer can be certified organic, they are not obligated to use the USDA Organic label.
Organic produce must adhere to very specific guidelines regarding the way crops are grown, managed, and processed. Land, soil, nutrients, seeds, crop rotation, and methods of disease and pest control have to be done in an earth-friendly way that reuses resources and promotes biodiversity. Synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), sewage, and petroleum-based fertilizers rank among the prohibited practices.
Whether destined for the filet mignon special or for the gifts they bear, like milk and eggs, the origin, healthcare, feed, and living conditions of organic livestock must be carefully managed. For instance, they cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones, and their food must be organic and vegetarian. They must also live in clean, maintained conditions and have access to the outdoors. In addition, organic products may not be irradiated as a method of bacteria prevention before being sold.
Varieties of the “Organic” Label:
100% Organic: A raw or processed agricultural product sold, labeled, or represented as “100 percent organic” must contain 100% organically produced ingredients; it can display the seal of the USDA or other certifying agent
Organic: Must contain at least 95% of organic ingredients, not including added water and salt; it may contain up to 5% of non-organic ingredients; the label may or may not show the percentage of organic to non-organic ingredients; an item labeled as simply “organic” can display the seal of the USDA or other certifying agent
Made with Organic Ingredients (or similar statement): Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients, not including added water and salt; can contain 30% of non-organic ingredients, but may or may not show the percentage ratio; the label can show a certifying agent’s seal, but not one from the USDA
Contains Organic Ingredients: Contains less than 70% organic ingredients; it may list specific organic ingredients on the information label, but it will not display the USDA seal
Non-GMO
The only time you’ll see the three letters “GMO” proudly plastered on a food product is to specifically announce that it has not been controversially altered for your convenience. A GMO is an animal or plant that has had its genes customized to maneuver growth speed, enhance nutrition, and basically cultivate prettier, more colorful, more perfect derivatives of what was once a completely natural product. Sure, these experiments present the opportunity for more nutritious products, but there is also a concern for allergic reactions and other possible short- and long-term effects of these twisted genes in our bodies. And guess what? Products that contain GMOs are not required to tell you, which is why some go above and beyond to make it known that they have not been scientifically altered.
“Natural”/ “All Natural”/ “100% Natural”
Many make the mistake of assuming that natural and organic products are the same and that when something is labeled as “natural,” it must be healthy and good for you. But besides meat and poultry, items labeled with the term are not regulated by the government. Animal products displayed as such can’t have any artificial ingredients, flavors, colors, or preservatives, but they can still be given antibiotics and growth enhancers. All raw cuts of meat can actually be labeled as "natural" simply because they aren’t processed; meanwhile, they can contain artificial ingredients and hormones! In the end, “natural” doesn't really live up to its perception. It tells you nothing about how a meat product was raised and is little more than a marketing ploy.
Other goods generically referred to as “natural” are generally those that are minimally processed and free of synthetic preservatives such as artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, and other additives, including hydrogenated oils, stabilizers, and emulsifiers.
Cage Free vs. Free Range
These labels are mostly found on poultry and eggs and refer to the living conditions of the birds. The happiest, most stress-free of animals typically have more roaming access and will yield a better product than those that are housed in packed, enclosed areas. “Cage free” means simply that—the birds were raised without cages but with continuous access to food and water. It does not specify whether they were indoors or outdoors or how crowded conditions may have been.
“Free range” can be spotted on pork but is much more commonly associated with poultry and especially eggs. This term sounds much more promising, as if to imply that these birds had been quacking and clucking about with no boundaries their whole lives. But in reality, free range birds, also known as “roaming” birds, may have access to go outdoors, but it doesn’t mean they do—just as long as the door is open. Either way, it’s not the most completely humane route since there are still no required specifications as to how much space the animals have to roam and no limits on other practices that might have been used and that don’t sound half as liberating as “free range.” If you are really adamant about animals being raised outdoors, look for labels that say “pastured” or “pasture raised.”
Certified Humane Raised and Handled
When an animal product wears the “Certified Humane Raised” and “Handled” label (check out www.certifiedhumane.org), it means that producers have met the standards of the Humane Farm Animal Care Program, which include “nutritious diet without antibiotics, or hormones, and animals raised with shelter, resting areas, sufficient space, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors.” It is the only animal welfare label that requires the humane treatment of livestock from birth through slaughter. If you can’t bear the thought of the pig which bore your pork chop living a sad, possibly cruel life ridden with unpleasant practices just to provide you with dinner, then “Certified Humane” is the way to go.
No Hormones Added
The government allows growth hormones to be in the feed of conventionally produced beef and dairy cows. For this reason, the label “no hormones added” is helpful and meaningful when stuck onto the packages of such goods. But by law, hormones are forbidden in raising hogs and poultry. Since it is standard, pork and poultry products cannot use this label unless fine print further explains, “Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones."
Grass Fed
You may think, “Don’t all cows eat grass?” Well, you might be surprised to hear what our bovine friends of the non-organic variety are allowed to consume when fattening up at the feedlot. Along with growth hormones, it is acceptable for conventional livestock to be fed animal byproducts, pesticides, sewage sludge, and antibiotics. The “grass fed” label helps to distinguish a healthier option amongst the crowd—for both you and the animal. But just as there are loopholes in the various organic labels, meat can still qualify for a USDA shield under the department’s standards of “grass fed” while still being fed more than just grass. According to this article by Mother Earth News, animals “can be given hormones and a steady diet of antibiotics” while still bearing the respected “USDA Process Verified” label. Fortunately, organizations like the American Grassfed Association and Food Alliance make sure that “grass fed” is exactly what you think it means.
Biodynamic
The “biodynamic” organic method of farming is a holistic one where the farm itself is viewed as a “living organism.” Farmers work alongside the natural, biological forces of nature to help cultivate sustainable and productive land. In a way, it can be viewed as a super organic method in that it depends very little on outside sources, trying to work with the planet’s cycles to create everything naturally—even the fertilizer. It yields a product that is very nutritious and, obviously, very eco-conscious as well. Demeter is currently the only certification agent for biodynamic farms.
Fair Trade
Fair Trade programs such as TransFair Fair Trade Certified and Equal Exchange help to make sure that small farmers get paid fairly for the products they help cultivate. Small, international farmers, especially, often get the brunt of market and commercial pressures to keep the prices of raw goods as low as possible. These labels ensure that the farmers that bring the food you purchase to your table are being treated equitably. Fair Trade Certifications are currently available in the U.S. for coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice, and vanilla.
Sustainable
Sustainable agriculture strives to be economically, environmentally, and socially sound. Organizations that practice the methods of sustainable agriculture, such as Food Alliance , look to protect natural resources with conservation and preservation and reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides by utilizing alternatives. They are against chemical fertilizers, must use natural methods for pest control and soil upkeep, and help protect the surrounding wildlife. Care for the health and well-being of the workers and the surrounding community is also a part of the sustainable practice. So how does this differ from organics? According to www.sustainabletable.org [link], “sustainability is more of a philosophy or way of life, whereas organic is a specific set of government-verified standards.” Organics are certified yearly by the USDA, whereas with sustainable foods you put your trust in the word of the farmer.
Marisa Musto is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in kitchens and the food industry for several years. She is currently studying communications at New York Institute of Technology, where she is also Editor-in-Chief of the college’s newspaper, The Campus Slate.