There are many organic food definitions. One organic food definition that accurately describes what an organic food is the definition of the Food and Drug Administration Agency. According to FDA, when you say that the food is organic, this does not cover only the food. It also includes the way the food was produced. The food must be certified by the United States Department of Agriculture under the National Organic Program. This means that it was grown, processed and handled under environmentally sustainable farming. Environmentally sustainable farming is the method of farming involves two things. The first is the uses recyclable resources and the second is the farming method promotes biodiversity. These are necessary elements in food being certified organic.
From these standards, there is a big difference between organic food and natural food. Organic food must be certified organic by the Department of Agriculture. A national standard was set under the Organic Food Production Act. Foods that are certified organic must meet the standards, which are discussed above. Natural foods on the other hand are foods that are naturally grown. When you say naturally grown this means that they were minimally processed. The foods therefore are free from preservatives, sweeteners, colors and other additives and emulsifiers. Natural foods are also not regulated. Unlike organic foods, manufacturers or producers of natural foods are not required by the government or other agencies to meet certain guidelines or standards. Thus, there is a big difference between natural and organic food although many believe that they are the same.
Aside from these, there is a big difference when it comes to the way manufacturers use the term organic and natural. Natural food producers and manufacturers freely label their food natural since there are not regulating bodies and standards. The only exception is in meat and poultry wherein they are required by the US Department of Agriculture to have no preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavor and colors and other substances or chemicals that are not natural in the food. When they label their food natural, they must indicate what it means, for example, without preservatives and additives. Organic food manufacturers on the other hand must meet the standards before they can label their food organic.
When it comes to health benefits, both organic and natural foods offer health benefits. Organic foods are good for health because they are grown, produced and manufacture using safer methods and materials. Natural foods are equally beneficial because they do not have harmful chemicals and ingredients. Some natural foods are also organically produced. This is the best when it comes to health benefits. Both organic and natural are available in local groceries and super markets. There are also organic and natural food stores that offer them. Lastly, when it comes to the price, both are pricier than non organic and natural food.