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Every day we use resources and produce waste causing a strain on the environment. By living more eco-friendly lives, we can each reduce our impact on the earth.

What is organic?

Organic refers to the way agricultural products—food and fiber—are grown and processed.

Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.

Organic Labelling

In the UK, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is responsible for the administration of organic standards. In keeping with European law, all food sold as “organic” must meet a minimum set of standards according to European laws on organic food production. Each grower must be registered and approved by an organic certification body, which in turn must be registered with DEFRA.

Labels on organic food must indicate the organic certification body that certified the food. Here are some of the guidelines DEFRA requires of foods labeled “Organic”:

• Since it is not always possible to make products entirely from organic ingredients, manufacturers can label their products as “Organic” provided that organic ingredients make up at least 95% of the food.
• Products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients may mention them as "organic" on the ingredient listing, and a clear statement must be given on the front of the packaging identifying the total percentage of ingredients that are organic.

Also keep in mind that the DEFRA standards are minimums – many organic certification bodies hold their growers to higher standards.