subject: Learning More About Organic Goods [print this page] Eating organic food is a growing trend and a good healthy choice. However, the organic label on a meat package can be very misleading.
If you are a relatively healthy person who purchases organic products, if you see this label on a package you are only to assume it is what is says it is. These products are supposed to be grown in the healthiest way and chemical free.
You are basically safe when it comes to the organic vegetables. Now when it comes to organic meat products, the industry may have painted a prettier picture than what it actually represents.
As far as the USDA is concerned, wild fish can be labeled "organic", although mercury or harmful chemicals may still be in the meat of the fish.
The USDA is quiet on the guidelines on organic meat products when it comes to the welfare standards and living conditions of the raised animals for organic meat.
The guidelines are strict on the types of food this raised animals are fed. This is how they guarantee a product which is hormone, chemical, antibiotic and other substances free. However, this still doesn't say much about these animals' living standards conditions.
Still when it comes to deciding to buy organic or non organic meat, the best choice is still organic. If you happen to be concerned about the diet of an animal and the overall health and well being, then you should look for high welfare labels such as RSPCA labels and biodynamic certificates, these are just a step above organic.
The issuing of organic meat products requires two adjustments: the informality of regulatory terms and the awareness of customers as to what the labels in fact really mean. If "organic isn't indicating what the customer thinks it is, then the customer pressure can go a long way cure that.
