We asked nutritionist Lola Berry to share her view on organic products. Here’s what she had to say.
Why would you recommend people choose Certified Organic when buying products?
I would say do it for your health above all – you will feel so much better just from eating cleaner and more nutrient-rich foods. Knowing that what you are putting into your body is free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics and chemicals was enough for me to switch. If you are a family with young kids, think about what you are feeding them and what products you are using for their clothes, bedsheets, toys etc. For babies with such delicate skin you really don’t want them being exposed to unwanted chemicals.
Should consumers be worried about fake labels?
Always look for the Australian Organic’s ‘Bud’ logo and you will know 100% that your product is certified Organic. Fake labelling should be illegal in my eyes. If you’re ever in doubt I’d be contacting the supplier. Most local suppliers of farmers are really open about the practices they use to create their produce.
Why is the best place to buy Certified Organic?
I think the best place to get organic produce is the farmers markets, they also have the most competitive prices too. But of course you can get great organic produce from your local supermarkets, health food and whole foods shops
How do you know if something is truly organic? What are your top tips identifying Certified Organic products?
Every Australian Certified Organic logo displayed on organic products as a certification number unique to the producer or processor, so you know it has been tested to be organic.
Purchasing products that carry the Australian Certified Organic logo saves you time at the store and reassures that the product will be: free-range, not genetically modified, pasture-fed, water efficient and biodiversity friendly as well as being free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics.
The Australian Certified Organic logo is only allowed to be displayed on products that are either Certified Organic or Certified in Conversion which means they have met stringent requirements, so you can trust that you are purchasing an authentic organic product.