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The Difference Between Natural and Organic Foods

Safety is paramount, and ensuring we consume food that meets hygiene standards and is sourced responsibly is vital. It is essential to educate oneself on natural and organic food options to make informed choices for personal and family well-being.

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21 July, 2024

Natural vs. Organic Food: Understanding the Key Differences

Natural Food

Natural food refers to produce that is grown according to specific regulations. During the cultivation process, farmers may use pesticides and inorganic fertilizers, but only within permitted limits. The harvested products must meet quality and safety standards for human consumption.

Natural Food

Quality Requirements for Natural Food

Natural food products must not contain any residue of plant protection chemicals, metallic impurities, or biological agents such as viruses, microorganisms, and parasites. They must also have a clear and traceable origin, and they should be certified by the food safety authority.

As a result, natural food products that are marketed to consumers are considered safe and free from harmful substances.

Organic Food

Also known as organic food, this term is widely used globally. However, it is a relatively new concept in Vietnam, and people often confuse it with “clean” food.

Quality Requirements for Organic Food

The production process for organic food is highly stringent. From irrigation water to cultivation methods, only traditional and chemical-free techniques are employed.

Organic food requires certification from PGS Vietnam and IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements). Additionally, the entire process is subject to strict monitoring standards to ensure compliance with organic practices.

Consequently, the price of organic food is significantly higher than that of other food types, reflecting its superior quality and nutritional value.

Which is Better: Natural or Organic Food?

Now that you understand the difference between natural and organic food, you might be wondering which one is superior. While we emphasize that organic food is generally healthier, it doesn’t mean that other options are necessarily harmful.

Organic food stands out due to its freshness and absence of chemical additives, ensuring that the nutritional content remains intact. Therefore, we recommend prioritizing organic food when feeding young children.

We hope that you will choose delicious, fresh, and safe products that fit your family’s needs and budget.

For further reading, please visit: vinaorganic.com

Frequently asked questions

Natural foods are those that have undergone minimal processing and do not contain any artificial ingredients or additives. Organic foods, on the other hand, are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals. Both natural and organic foods are regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and must meet certain standards to be labeled as such.

No, they are not the same. While there is some overlap between the two, they are distinct in their own ways. Natural foods may not necessarily be organic, and organic foods may contain some natural ingredients, but they are not entirely natural.

Organic foods are believed to be more nutritious and healthier than conventionally grown foods. They are also better for the environment as they reduce the use of chemicals and promote sustainable farming practices.

Look for the USDA Organic seal on the packaging. This seal indicates that the product has been certified organic and meets the strict standards set by the USDA. You can also look for the Certified Naturally Grown label, which is a similar certification for small farms that may not be able to afford the USDA certification process.

Organic foods tend to be more expensive than conventionally grown foods due to the higher costs of production and certification. However, the demand for organic products is increasing, and many stores are offering more affordable options.