Natural, Non-GMO or Organic

Natural, Non-GMO or Organic 

What is the difference between the labels. Is there a difference between "Natural", "Non-GMO" and "Organic"? Are they the same? 

There is a difference and although all Organic food is Non-GMO, the reverse is not true. So lets look at the definitions.

Natural
A label that reads natural means...nothing. There are no standards for this label, and maybe is being used to mislead the public. The FDA states that "the  FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term natural or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances." 


Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Non-GMO
Non-GMO means that the product does not contain any ingredients that were genetically modified. It also means that animal based ingredients were not fed GMO feed. Currently, there are two ways for a product to be labeled as Non-GMO. 

Non-GMO labeling options:

1. Non-GMO Verified Label- This is a 3rd party testing and verification process. It is managed by the Non-GMO Project. Testing is done on an ongoing testing process to ensure that GMO's are being avoided in the ingredients, and final product. 
2. Company labels read "Non-GMO". This label means that the company itself has opted to add the words to the label. This is not tested or verified by a 3rd party, nor is it legally enforceable. 

Therefore, for obvious reasons, the Non-GMO verification label is the best bet to limit your family's risk of exposure to GMO's. 

Organic

Organic products do not contain GMO's. In addition the products do not have ingredients that were exposed to synthetic pesticides. According to the USDA (who tests and verifies for Organic lables) defines Organic as: "Organic agriculture produces products using methods that preserve the environment and avoid most synthetic materials, such as pesticides and antibiotics".  To read the full standards behind the Organic label visit the USDA's Organic Agriculture website.  




"Made with Organic Ingredients" labeling
The USDA Organic seal should be displayed on the packaging. If you see a product that does not have the seal, but has claims such as "made with Organic ingredients" beware! This is can mean that as little as 70% of ingredients are Organic. If you do not see the USDA Organic seal, you do not have any basis to believe the product are truly organic.

I know it is kind of confusing. But this is your and your family's health. So learn these terms and shop accordingly. If you have questions, feel free to write me and I will do what I can to help, or point you in the right direction to more information.