Understanding organic `labels`

Published: Sunday January 12, 2014 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Sunday January 12, 2014 MYT 10:56:03 AM
Understanding organic 'labels'
BY DATUK DR NOR ASHIKIN MOKHTAR
In Malaysia, organic certification for local and imported produce falls under the Malaysian Organic Scheme (Skim Organik Malaysia)
under the Crop Quality Control Division of the Department of Agriculture. – Filepic
In this conclusion to the two-part series on organic food, we look at what constitutes organic products.
IN our last issue (Why bother going organic?, Fit4life, 29 Dec, 2013), we talked about the health benefits of going
organic, particularly when it comes to food. In this issue, let’s take a closer look at what the term “organic” is all
about.
Basically, organic farming utilises natural ways to manage crops. When planting crops, natural fertilisers such as
manure or compost are used to feed the soil and plants instead of synthetic fertilisers.
Some really fastidious parties would even go as far as to ensure that the manure comes from organically-bred animals,
and that the compost is produced from waste material of organic locations.
Instead of using chemicals and insecticides to control pests and reduce plant disease, organic farms use natural
ingredients such as enzymes or plant-based pesticides.
Companion planting is practised, where certain plants that are known to repel insects (such as marigold or bunga tahi
ayam) are planted close to crops.
Instead of using chemicals and insecticides to control pests and reduce plant disease, organic farms use natural ingredients such as enzymes
or plant-based pesticides. – Filepic
Other methods used include setting insect traps using sugar water, and utilising beneficial insects and birds for pest
control.
Weeds are a common problem among farmers, as they can grow out of control and deplete nutrients from the soil.
While conventional farmers use synthetic herbicides to kill weeds, organic farmers use environmentally-friendly
ways such as hand-weeding, mulching or crop rotation.
For organic meat and eggs, breeders need to ensure that their animals are given organic feed and are allowed outdoors
to enjoy a free-range life. Unlike animals in conventional farms, organically-bred animals are not given antibiotics,
growth hormones or medications to spur faster growth.
Since organic products come at a premium, it helps to know what you’re paying for.
Relevant terms
Here are some common labels and what they really mean:
GMO-free: GMO stands for Genetically-Modified Organism, and refers to products that have been genetically
modified using modern biotechnology. A large percentage of agricultural products today are genetically engineered in
some way to promote faster, better growth.
GMO-free products refer to food products that have not been genetically tampered with and remain in its original
condition.
Natural: A food that is labelled “natural” can mean many things, such as being produced without additives,
preservatives, colouring or flavouring. It does not mean that the product is organic, because “natural” is a term
defined by law.
Organic: Here’s a surprise – products such as cookies, jam, honey, cereal or others labelled organic just mean that
more than 70% of its ingredients are organic. Other minor components in the product may not be organic.
Animals that are claimed to be organically-bred cannot be cloned or genetically-modified, must have access to the
outdoors, fed only organically-grown crops, and are never treated with antibiotics or hormones.
100% organic: This means that the product is completely organic. This label is most commonly used for organic
fruits, vegetables, eggs or other single-ingredient foods. The label usually comes in the form of a seal that is legally
recognised by the certifying countries.
In organic farming, companion planting is often practised, where certain plants that are known to repel insects (such as marigold or bunga
tahi ayam) are planted close to crops. – Filepic
Organic certifications
Countries with recognised organic regulatory bodies include the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the
European Union, Canada, Japan, France and India.
The regulating organisations establish standards on how produce must be grown, handled or processed, in order to be
certified 100% organic.
Countries that do not have the same regulations will usually recognise organic certifications from larger nations such
as the US, the European Union or Japan.
In Malaysia, organic certification for local and imported produce falls under the Malaysian Organic Scheme (Skim
Organik Malaysia) under the Crop Quality Control Division of the Department of Agriculture.
Importers who repack their products locally can also get the Organic Malaysia mark by registering with Organic
Alliance Malaysia, which collaborates with the Department of Agriculture for the processing and verification of
imported organic goods.
It helps to note that organic certifications are voluntary and are used mainly by organic businesses to gain
accreditation; hence, many small-time farmers do not get their produce certified or registered because they feel it is
unnecessary.
For instance, you may know of a local grower near your home who practices permaculture methods and does not use
pesticides or fertilisers. His or her produce may not have any seal of approval from the authorities, but they are
certainly superior to pesticide-laden commercially-grown fruits and vegetables.
Perhaps, a visit to the pasar tani (farmer’s market) on weekends may be worthwhile to check out some locally-grown
food.
Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (FRCOG, UK). For further information,
visit www.primanora.com. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it
should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace,
supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star
does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content
appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury
suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.