Taking a walk through the grocery store, you see so many different labels claiming this food product is better and healthier than the one next to it. Unfortunately, some marketing practices either lack integrity or lack knowledge - or perhaps a little of both. So is there a difference between Organic and Natural claims on a label? Most often, yes.
To be labeled Organic in the United States, the product must adhere to strict regulations imposed by the USDA's National Organic Program. Some of these regulations include: the ground must be chemical free for 36 months prior to selling crops as organic; limitations on vaccines and hormones given to animals, including poultry, beef cattle, and dairy cattle; and specific processing and labeling requirements.
Natural, on the other hand, has no regulations in the United States. Simply speaking, if something says it is "Natural," it is claiming that it is natural by the definition of the producer or manufacturer. Some believe using Round-Up and other such products is natural. Some believe there is nothing wrong with spraying weeds, giving animals growth hormones, or using fertilizers.
And there are some who take the definition of Natural to mean "the most natural way of life for plants and animals." These people don't use chemicals, but rather use alternative means to get rid of weed and pest problems through crop rotation, hand-picking, and other ways that are not detrimental to the plant. They allow nature to take its course with animals, giving the livestock access to pasture, space to move around, and accepting the natural growth instead of attempting to defy nature through growth hormones. Often times these products could qualify as being organic.
How can the average consumer know they are buying something that is actually natural and healthy? Check the label. It's usually a safe bet if a product has more then one or two impossible to pronounce, scientific sounding ingredients, it is no healthier then the box next to it that doesn't claim to be natural. Use local suppliers you know and trust. If you don't know local farmers personally, you may know someone who does, and who knows the farming practices used. Farmers generally don't, from what I've seen, hide the fact that they spray weeds, or what they use. So a simple solution, ask.
If you ever doubt the validity of a "natural" claim, and can't get an answer that satisfies your desire to have the healthiest, most natural food available, don't buy it. And if you ever doubt the validity of an "Organic" claim, USDA regulations require the certification agency be listed on the product. Call the agency and ask if the product is indeed certified organic. Organic certification agencies are here not only to give out certificates stating a product is organic. It is also their job to assure consumers that everything possible has been done to insure the integrity of the organic industry and the organic status of the products on the market.
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