What does it mean when food is organic?

It is food that is made or grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Organic foods are made according to certain production standards. The use of conventional non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is greatly restricted and avoided as a last resort. However, contrary to popular belief, certain non-organic fertilisers are still used. If livestock are involved, they must be reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones, and generally fed a healthy diet.

In most countries, organic produce may not be genetically modified. Some studies have shown higher nutrient levels in organic fruit and vegetables compared with conventionally grown products. The most important study of organic food to date was completed in 2007 [54] and found that organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40% more antioxidants than conventional equivalents, and that the figure was 60% for organic milk.