I thought I would touch upon food labeling, this chart refers mainly to meat because I think that’s where most of the confusion lies.
But the main point here is that you probably don’t want to waste the extra money on food at the grocery store labeled “Natural” because most often it’s just a marketing gimmick.
Just to be clear I know a lot of local farmers don’t certify there products because they don’t want to pay the money to the regulatory agency, or they might not meet all of the criteria since organic is very strict.
Your best bet is to do some research, and look into local farmers but if that’s not available to you it might be worth it to spend the extra on certified organic.
N=Natural?O=Organic?R=Regular
Animals can only be fed organic feed.
O=Yes, N=No, R=No
Feed grains may be grown using chemical pesticides, and fertilizers. They can be genetically engineered or fertilized with sewage.
O=No, N=Yes, R=Yes
Animals can be treated with antibiotics or hormones.
O=No, N=Yes, R=Yes
Animals can be fed the byproducts of other animals.
O=No, N=Yes, R=Yes
Animals may be routinely confined.
O=No, N=Yes, R=Yes
Animals must be treated in ways that reduce stress.
O=Yes, N=No, R=No
Animals must have access to pasture.
O=Yes, N=No, R=No
Animals must have access to outdoors, exercise areas and sunlight.
O=Yes, N=No, R=No
A qualified individual or agency must inspect farms for compliance.
O=Yes, N=No, R=No
Let me know what you guys think! Is organic worth the extra money? Or does anyone have any tips on great places to buy local?
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Namaste
Natasha
Information to complete this comparison was sourced from “What to Eat” by Marion Nestle