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Principles of Labelling Organic Produce

Some of the principles that this represents are:

• 95% or more organic ingredients are used then the product can be called organic in the title.

• If this contents fall between 70-95% then the work organic can only be used in the ingredients listing.

• If any less than 70% of the ingredients in a product are organic then manufactures are unable to use the word organic anywhere in the title or ingredients.

Organic foods must meet EU standards with regard to the materials used in packaging and labelling. Materials must be recyclable, where possible, and carry the appropriate organic accreditation symbol. In addition, although it is not a legal requirement, organic products should strive to avoid all unnecessary packaging.

Organic Produce and the EU Standards

For organic produce to meet the EU standards there are strict standards that must be adhered to right down to the labelling and packaging.  The materials which are used must be made from recycled materials and a logo reinforcing this should be visible.  The accreditation would be given by one of 3 bodies.  As a principle thou organic products should try and avoid using unnecessary packaging.  The standards thou are enforced by organic certification authorities and must be licensed to use the word organic in the product title and is governed by trading standards legislation.  The standards are very detailed and each product vary greatly.

Organic Produce More Susceptible To Microscopic Pathogens

There are many people who are and will be against organic produce and one of the main points they raise is that the food grown organically is more susceptible to microscopic pathogens.  However there is no scientific evidence that shows this and basic level of hygiene when handling food should always be adhered to such as keeping fruit and vegetables away from meat and rinsing fruit and vegetables before use.  In terms of cost there is not always a clear distinction on price – sometimes this depends on the production of the product but in general organic producers have to meet stricter regulations all through the process hence in terms of manpower can be more expensive.

Organic General Practices

The production of organic products vary vastly from product to product and are very detailed.  Below are some of the general practices which can be classed and termed as organic.

Animal Welfare – this ensures that animals can freely conduct there natural behaviours such as movement, freedom of space, freedom to eat and drink as they require.

Health – this encompasses the well known phase of we are what we eat and the high standards which have been set at every stage of production.

Environment – organic farmers encourage and look after the surrounding environment and natural habitat. This encourages local wildlife and insects to thrive.

Organic Skincare Products

As well as organic food with the demand growing more and more organic products which support skin care are becoming available in the market.

Many of the lotions and cosmetics that are found in shops and beauty stalls contain chemicals that are absorbed through the skin or into our lungs through the smell as we inhale the perfume.  The effects which are scientifically proven can be seen in areas such as infertility clinics where there are clear signs banning visitors from wearing perfume or aftershave.  Many of these would contain harmful chemicals to embryos.   As a alternative there are a wide range of ‘natural’ and ‘green’ toiletries and cosmetics in the market place but when purchasing you need to be careful of the word ‘natural’ as this can also be used even if there’s only 1% of natural ingredients.