If you’re confused about how to eat healthy, or you’re just looking for the best ways to ensure your food is safe – then this article is for you! In today’s world, we are more aware than ever that the food we eat can have a huge effect on our health. The food certifications that certain organic foods possess have become an important factor in how many people choose what they will put in their bodies.
There are four levels of international standard (US) of organic certification: 100% Organic Certified, Organic Certified, Made With Organic Ingredients, Specific Organic Ingredients Certified. The organic labels will tell you what the food is made from, and what its ingredients are.
Do keep in mind that organic regulations vary by country. This article will be focusing on the United States’ organic standards, the Indian organic standard as well as the EU Organic standard since Annapoorna organic products comply will all these standards.
100% Organic Certified
This certification is the strictest and costs the most, but it covers an extensive list of substances that are prohibited in production, such as GMOs, ionizing radiation, sewage sludge, or synthetic fertilizers. In addition to this list of restrictions, the maximum pesticide level must be less than 5 percent.
Is USDA Organic the same as Certified Organic?
Organic Certified
The organic certification process for this level doesn’t include any additional requirements beyond those established by federal law for organic labeling. However, there is a list of prohibited substances that have the same restrictions as those stipulated for 100% Organic.
Made With Organic Ingredients Certified
This certification level is similar to the requirements for Organic Certified, but chemical inputs are permitted in the production process. The certified company can use them if they are not included in the ingredients list or if they are used to maintaining safety and integrity (for example, pesticides used in packing houses).
Specific Organic Ingredients Certified (COSMOS)
This designation is given under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP). It is granted for each ingredient, as long as the ingredient isn’t prohibited in organic production or any of the ingredients are prohibited.
Organic NPOP
Since most of our organic produce is imported from India, we also comply to Organic NPOP certification of the country. NPOP stands for National Program for Organic Production. It allows the use of India Organic logo.
Organic EU Standards
Our products comply to the EU standards as well. This program provides a list of approved substances and production requirements in an operation that is specifically labeled as “organic. The philosophy behind the EU’s organic standards is that all organic products must be produced and handled in an environmentally friendly, socially just and economically viable way.
In summary, there are many benefits and considerations for going organic, especially for food production, including but not limited to higher quality and taste, lower costs, expanded markets and new opportunities for economic development.
Whenever you shop for organic products, it’s important you understand what the organic label really means and how it can have a lasting impact on your and your family’s health.
Buy Annapoorna Organic products at Modern Store New Outlet or Old Outlet in Kuala Lumpur. You can also order products online at Brickfields Indian Online Grocery.
FAQs
What are the certifications for organic food?
Certifications for organic food include third-party certification and participatory guarantee systems.
What are the minimum requirements of organic certification?
The minimum requirements of organic certification vary by country, but generally involve avoiding synthetic chemical inputs, using farmland that has been free from prohibited chemicals for a number of years, and undergoing periodic on-site inspections.
How many years is organic certification valid?
Organic certification is typically valid for a period of one year, after which the farm or producer must undergo a renewal process.
Is organic certification mandatory in India?
Organic certification is not mandatory in India, but it is recommended for farmers and producers who want to sell their organic products both domestically and internationally.
What is the rank of India in organic certification?
India is ranked first in the world in terms of total organic farming area, with over 3.6 million hectares of land under organic cultivation.
Which is India’s first certified organic?
India’s first certified organic fruit is the kiwi fruit grown in Arunachal Pradesh under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development project . The kiwi fruit was certified organic in November 2021.
