Natural or Oraganic::reply

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Writer:

Martha Filipic

_filipic.3_ (filipic.3)

(614)292-9833

Source:

Deborah Stinner

 

 

What's the difference between " natural " foods and " organic " foods?

 

Up until recent years, you wouldn't have been able to find a definitive

difference, because there were no national standards for those terms. That

could

be the reason why one recent survey by the polling organization Roper Starch

Worldwide found that 75 percent of Americans don't know the difference

between organic and all-natural foods.

 

However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is putting national organic

standards into place, and with them come definitions of all sorts. More details

in a moment, but first, the short answer.

 

Basically, " organic " has to do with how the food is grown or, in the case of

meat, how the animals are raised. " Natural " has to do with how a food

product is processed. Natural foods -- apples, beef, corn or pork -- can be

organic

or not. On the other hand, organic foods can potentially be processed into

foods that aren't classified as natural -- such as crackers made with

organically grown wheat but made with non-natural preservatives or artificial

flavors

or colors, for example.

 

If you want more nitty-gritty, you can look at the National Organics Program

website at _http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/_ (http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/) .

The rule details the methods, practices and substances that can be used in

producing organic crops and raising organic livestock, as well as detailing how

organic processed products must be handled. It establishes clear organic

labeling criteria, and details what farmers must do to become certified organic

growers. For example, it says what sort of fertilizer and compost can be used

on organic crops, and what sort of feed can be given to organic livestock.

 

Previous to the national rule, many states had their own rules and

regulations defining what made something " organic. " Between now and October of

2002,

state officials and local farmers are busy figuring out how to mesh any

differences between the old state organic standards and the new federal ones.

Beginning Oct. 21, 2002, consumers will start seeing the new national USDA

organic

label on foods.

 

Chow Line is a service of The Ohio State University. Send questions to Chow

Line, c/o Martha Filipic, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1044, or

filipic.3.

 

Editor: This column was reviewed by Deborah Stinner, research scientist and

coordinator of Ohio State University's Organic Food and Farming Education and

Research program, and Larry Phelan, professor of entomology.