Organic food is an increasingly searched term in the food industry due to the benefits it brings, such as protecting human health and preserving the natural environment. Join PGS Vietnam in exploring the article below to gain a better understanding of organic food!
1. What is organic food? Trends in organic food consumption
Organic concept and production methods
Organic food refers to food produced or grown following organic farming practices and standards, which do not use synthetic chemicals (pesticides, chemical fertilizers, preservatives, etc.), growth-stimulating hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms.
Many people often confuse organic food with "clean food" or home-grown food. But these concepts are completely different. Clean food refers to food grown under production processes that allow the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers within safe limits. On the other hand, products must undergo rigorous inspection and be certified as organic food to be officially recognized.
Organic food is a global food consumption trend. In Vietnam, the trend of consuming organic food is becoming increasingly popular. Besides being a clean food source beneficial to consumers' health, organic farming also helps protect the environment, balance the ecosystem, and conserve biodiversity.
2. Organic food standards
To be certified organic, products must be grown and produced in compliance with the standards of the country where the organic food is consumed.
Organic certification is a certificate issued for a product to confirm that it is organic. Depending on the percentage of organic ingredients achieved under specific regulations, a corresponding certification will be granted. This certification serves to verify the safety and purity of food.
Each organic certification has its own strict requirements regarding seeds, water sources, soil, fertilizers, etc., to meet organic farming standards. Organic certification by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Organic Program (USDA) is the strictest organic standard certification — only products containing 95% organic ingredients are allowed to use the logo.
- “100% Organic” label: all ingredients are organically produced.
- “Organic” label: at least 95% or more of the ingredients are organic.
- “Made With Organic Ingredients” label: contains at least 70% organic ingredients.
- “Less Than 70% Organic Ingredients” label: less than 70% organic ingredients.
3. Benefits of Organic Food
Organic food contains no preservatives or synthetic chemicals, making it safer for health while offering superior freshness and nutritional value compared to conventional food. Organic production also contributes to protecting soil, water resources, and biodiversity for future generations.
In Vietnam, consumers can identify trustworthy organic products through the PGS certification label — a participatory guarantee system recognized by IFOAM for the domestic market.
Need advice on PGS certification?
Contact the PGS Vietnam Coordination Committee for support.
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