If you’re like a lot of people, you’re probably wondering about organic pet food. What does this term actually mean and how can you be sure that the food you buy for your dog or cat is truly organic?
Whenever possible, I try to buy organic, even if it means spending more money. Just knowing that the food I’m eating isn’t saturated with pesticides or filled with hormones makes me feel better. I also now buy organic for my two cats whenever I can. But sometimes I wonder… can I really be sure that the word “organic” on a package means what I think it means? Are there laws or standards governing the use of this term? And do the laws that apply to human food also apply to pet food?
Define “organic”
What does “organic” mean anyway? “In simple terms, the term implies the cultivation of crops and the manufacture of consumer products without the use of synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or other synthetic components, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or of ionizing radiation,” said Heidi Junger, CEO of Onesta Organics. “Organic foods are produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to improve the quality of the environment for future generations,” the website adds. the USDA. “Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are not given antibiotics or growth hormones.” Animals also need access to the outdoors, an important consideration for those concerned with human issues as well as good nutrition.
Compliance with standards for organic products, the key word is “certified”. In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Food Production Act, which meant the USDA had to develop national standards for organic products. The USDA initiated the National Organic Program (NOP), which requires that products labeled as “organic” come from farms certified by an accredited agent or entity.
“In order for a person to become certified organic, they must contact a NOP-accredited certifying agent,” says Sam Jones-Ellard, public affairs specialist for the USDA. “The certifying agent audits the operation and ensures that it meets all federal standards and regulations.” NOP regulations are strict and comprehensive and include production, handling, labeling, certification and accreditation standards. The same standards apply to certified human and pet foods. In order to be considered for certification, a farm or handling operation must submit a plan to a certifying officer. The plan should detail the practices and substances the farm or facility uses in food production – including even basics like cleaners and sanitizers. It must also include information on suppliers of ingredients not purchased locally and provide proof of their organic status. Facility records should keep track of ingredients and products entering and leaving the operation, and there should also be practices in place to prevent organic and non-organic products from mixing.
Look at the labels
Next time you’re at the grocery store, check out products with the USDA organic seal. This distinctive circular logo reads “USDA Organic” and verifies that the product contains 95% to 100% organic ingredients. The use of the seal is optional, but if the packaging indicates “100% organic” or “organic”, the product has been certified. Use of these terms without certification is punishable by law and may result in a fine of $11,000.
Many different foods and ingredients can be certified organic, from grains and meats to dairy products, vegetables and fruits. However, some can never be certified organic, including all genetically modified and synthetic ingredients. “The use of genetic engineering (GE) technology is not allowed in any organic product at any level,” says Sam. “Generally, most natural (not synthetic) substances are allowed in organic production and most synthetic substances are prohibited. Salt and water are allowed in organic products and do not count towards the percentage of organic ingredients in the final product.
There are also currently no organic standards for fish. “National Organic Program standards do not cover farmed fish and these operations cannot be certified under the NOP.”
Can we abuse the term?
Although certified organic food products for humans and pets must meet USDA standards, you may be wondering if the laws are more likely to be circumvented or even broken when it comes to food. for pets. “Although the National Organic Program does not have specific standards for organic pet food, if it meets all organic standards and federal regulations, it can be certified organic and would be regulated by the NOP,” says Sat.
“The term ‘organic’ is very rarely misused to label pet food products that are not USDA certified organic,” adds Heidi. “In the United States, any pet food labeled as ‘certified organic’ and/or that displays the USDA organic seal, must also display the organic certification entity.” If you wish to re-verify a certified organic claim, you have the option of contacting the listed certifier. This is actually one of the best ways to assure such a claim, since certifiers won’t put their name on a product they haven’t seen and inspected.
Law void
On the other side of the coin, the term is often misused on uncertified pet food products. When used on its own, the term “organic” is not regulated by the government, creating a loophole that is unfortunately often exploited in commercial pet food marketing. If the company does not make a USDA-certified organic claim or use the seal, it cannot be penalized for using the term. There are many non-certified “organic” pet foods on the market, so you need to do your research. The best solution is to buy USDA certified organic pet food. Otherwise, there is no way to know for sure if the products are truly organic.
As you can see, it only takes a little knowledge to ensure that the products you buy for you and your companion are really what they claim to be. Healthy eating!
