Family Health Beauty Info

The rules for certified organics

The rules for certified organics

Certified organic products have a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. These ingredients are:

• minimally processed
• naturally extracted without:
• artificial ingredients
• synthetic processes
• synthetic preservatives
• animal testing
• irradiation.

Certified organic processors must:

• Keep detailed written purchasing, production and sales records (audit trail)
• Develop stringent quality systems to maintain organic integrity of ingredients
• Ensure traceability of organic ingredients (from seed to consumer)
• Maintain strict physical separation of ingredients to prevent contamination
• Undergo periodic on-site inspections (audits).

Greenwashing

Greenwashing is a practice where companies falsely promote their products as environmentally friendly.

It’s important to read labels and become an informed consumer for three good reasons:

• to avoid toxins disguised as ‘natural’ ingredients
• to never be fooled again by slick marketing hype
• to effectively create change through informed purchasing power

Misleading ingredients lists

Companies mislead consumers by listing botanical extracts, or ‘aqueous infusions’ (which are just weak teas) at the top of the ingredient list.

The synthetic surfactant ingredients that make up the core of the product are hidden further down the list.

The substantial water component of a herbal mixture is incorrectly counted as ‘organic’, which is prohibited under International Organic Standards.

This practice artificially inflates the organic content in order to make a deceptive 70% organic claim.

Manufacturers often list the source of a chemical to lull consumers into a false sense of security about the ‘naturalness’, ‘purity’ and ’safety’ of their ingredients.

Reference: ‘Product training with Narelle Chenery’

Watch the video ‘Narelle Chenery of ONEgroup talks about greenwashing’

Purchase certified organic products

See related blog  ‘The difference between natural and organic ‘ or watch the video

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

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Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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