Natural and Organic products should indicate the National Organic Program Board certification and also indicate every natural ingredient on the label. (see references 3, page 2) On the internet there are many programs that offer discounts at local farmers’ markets, farmer’s markets and on-line. You may want to look for a national program to receive nationwide discounts. Some companies offer nationwide discounts. Check your mail and local ads for the best products available in your area.
A growing number of consumers are concerned about pesticides and the chemicals used to control weeds and pests, because of the dangers of exposure. Most consumers want to know how the crops are grown and whether the pesticides used are approved by the National Organic Program Board. Some of the larger organic farms are very interested in developing these public-relations programs and are actively involved in public-relations campaigns. Many large organic farms in the US are located along state-wide or multi-state feedgrounds where large sales are often held.
Consumers may want to read the organic seal on a package to determine if the crops have been organically grown. The organic seal can be verified on a package by examining the field where the crop was grown. If there is a “Compact for Safe Cosmetics” on a package, this means that the crops were grown in certified organic growing facilities.
Natural and Organic shampoos and hair care products may be safer than those containing synthetic pesticides. Organic farming methods are less hazardous than traditional farming methods, but can still cause harmful substances to be introduced into the environment. When organic products are processed, some of the ingredients are washed away or treated with harsh solvents that strip away the beneficial nutrients. The end result is an inferior product that lacks nutrition and can cause health problems for users.
The best way to assure that natural and organic foods are safe is to simply buy only from suppliers who are willing to guarantee the purity and freshness of their products. This commitment is a sign that the company takes its responsibility to consumers seriously. Agencies like the National Organic Standards Board to ensure that certification is carried out in an independent and objective manner. Natural and Organic foods that meet these standards are more likely to pass consumer review requirements. Purchasing a product that has passed the review means that it has met strict guidelines for safety and is a safe source of nutrition.
Natural and Organic food labels must contain specific information regarding what materials were used to create the product. The primary elements on the label should be the percentage of synthetic ingredients and the total organic content. Some manufacturers choose to use the terms “reduced sugar” or “less sodium” to describe their organic foods. Companies must list the primary ingredients and any additives included. Added color is an additional area of concern as most artificial ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration, from lowest to highest.
Another aspect of Natural and Organic labels requires that the products meet a minimum requirement of purity. The percentage of contaminants allowed is listed in grams. The best option is to choose a provider that not only lists the acceptable contaminants in grams but also provides a list of recommended dilutions. Natural and organic food that meets the standards is one that has been prepared in compliance with recognized industry standards. It is not sufficient to simply list the percentage content as this is not the most important factor that should influence consumers to purchase.
The terms’ natural foods, organic foods and natural and organic mean different things to different people. In general, however, these terms are used to illustrate that the ingredients of these products are made without the use of synthetic materials. They also provide assurance that the products are free of harmful chemicals.