Because of the commercial advantage afforded by the use of the word "organic", comprehensive legislation has evolved in the US, European Union, Japan and other countries ostensibly to protect the consumer.
However, as with all legislation governing the food industry, the devil is once again in the detail. Most people, for example, are unaware that there is a distinction between "100% organic" (the real McCoy), "organic" (at least 95% organic) and "made with organic ingredients" (minimum 70% organic ingredients).
It's sad because people willing to invest in protecting their own health ... and I include myself in this group ... do not want to be misled, again, by cleverly worded half-truths. Just call it what it is. There should be no mileage in compromise.
If we think we are buying "organic" (should mean totally free of all nasties) ... and we're willing to pay a premium for these perceived benefits ... then we should get what we pay for, without compromise. If this is impractical ... then fine, just tell us clearly without making a meal about the product being "organic".
Call me a purist, but I'm sick of being misled ... finding out the real truth and then feeling stupid. I even accept that this view may be crude ... and do not mean to disrespect the vast majority of very sophisticated legislation that has been orchestrated around organic food production.
But why go so far ... and then shoot yourself in the foot at the point where it really matters ... consumer perception, in its most basic form?
Won't disenchanted potential customers miss out because they don't trust the real benefits? How sad is that? How many people have you spoken to who just don't care because they have become jaded?
People who want to lead healthy lives and take responsibility for their own health deserve standards that are completely transparent and free from agenda, political implication or industry lobby. This should in no way be punitive to organic farmers ... ever. But why allow the word "organic" to become a marketing term?
Just tell us the truth ... without any slick nuances or disguised technical exceptions. The value should still be able to stand on its own!
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2 comments:
I AM aware of this, and it makes me mad too! Some stuff, mostly bars, like Odwalla bars, and Luna bars, I know say they are made with such and such percent organic ingredients, and they definitely get points for at least being honest.
I hate feeling like I'm being lied to!
Hi Gina ... thanks for your comment. It would be fine if we knew exactly what we were buying and had the peace of mind that if we bought "organic" ... then we were getting something tasty, clean, nutritious and environmentally friendly.
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