Although to most people this term may simply refer to "naturally produced" food, it actually has a more strict legal definition.

In order to be labeled "certified organic," foods have to meet a set of requirements, which vary from one country to the next.

In the United States, these organic definition criteria include:

Not using any synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and so forth.

Not using any genetically modified organisms.

Growing the food on farmland that has been chemical-free for at least three years.

Frequent inspection of the sites where organic food is grown.

Keeping detailed records of growth, production and sale of organic products.

The goals of these methods include enhancing human health, preserving environmental systems, promoting biodiversity, and recycling resources.

Nevertheless, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) warns that "organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water."

Organic definition and how is organic food certified ?

After three years of growing produce without any chemicals or pesticides, a farmer must have his entire farm and equipment inspected by an independent agency to verify that it meets the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards.

If he or she passes the test, the agency provides him/her with a certificate proving that the produce is "certified organic."

In the case of livestock, it can only be certified organic after having been fed with certified organic grains and products for a year.

Organic meat, especially beef, has become more and more popular since the beginning of the mad cow disease scare in 2004.

Organic definition and what is the difference between "natural" and "organic" food?

These different labels can be quite confusing, but don't be fooled.

The label "natural" simply means that the food has not been highly processed, but it is not necessarily organic.

Always look for the label "USDA certified organic or an equivilent for the country in which you reside."

Organic definition and what are the benefits of organic food?

The supposed benefits of organics are always highly debated.

Many critics say that the advantages touted by its proponents have not been scientifically proven.

Although the debate is ongoing, a report by the UK Soil Association concluded that a predominantly organic diet has many advantages, including:

The reduction in the amount of toxic chemicals consumed.

The decrease in the amount of food additives and colorings.

An avoidance of genetically-modified organisms.

The increase in the amount of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants ingested.

A decrease in the incidence of conditions such as coronary heart disease, cancer, allergies, and even hyperactivity in children.

The reduction in the use of environmentally-unfriendly chemical production methods.

While it's obvious that the methods used to grow organic foods are less damaging to the environment than traditional ones, more research is needed in order to determine whether these other "benefits" are real.

Organic definition and how can you tell whether it's really organic?

Given that the definition of organic food is based on "negatives" such as what not to do when growing it rather than on positives such as scientific formulas allowing us to identify it, the distinction between organic and regular food isn't always so clear.

The easiest way to ensure that the food you are buying is really organic is to buy it directly from a farm, where you can personally verify the growing and processing techniques.

However, we realize this is not a viable option for most city dwellers, who must rely on the "certified organic" product labeling.