The 'Natural' and 'Pure' Trap
Terms like 'natural,' 'pure,' 'real,' and 'traditional' are powerful marketing tools. They create an impression of health and quality, but often lack strict, enforceable definitions. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
rules for these claims, but they can be nuanced. For a single-ingredient food to be called 'natural', it must be derived from a plant, animal, or mineral and have undergone only minimal processing that doesn't fundamentally change it. However, for a product with multiple ingredients, the claim is weaker; it can only state it is 'made from natural ingredients' if every component meets the criteria. Phrases like 'natural goodness' are generally not permitted. The front of the packet is designed to sell, while the back is where the real information lies.
Organic: A Legally Protected Term
Unlike 'natural,' the term 'organic' is legally protected and requires rigorous certification. Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To be sold as 'organic' in India, a product must comply with the standards set by the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) or the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India). If a product claims to be organic, the first thing to look for is the FSSAI's unified organic logo: Jaivik Bharat.
Jaivik Bharat: The Unified Organic Mark
Introduced in 2017, the Jaivik Bharat logo is FSSAI's definitive mark for certified organic food in India. It features a green circle with a leaf forming a checkmark, communicating adherence to national organic standards. This logo is mandatory for all products sold domestically as organic. Its purpose is to create a single, trustworthy symbol for consumers, cutting through the confusion of multiple certification systems. The absence of the Jaivik Bharat logo on a product claiming to be organic is a major red flag, suggesting its claims haven't been verified under Indian food law.
Understanding NPOP and PGS-India
The Jaivik Bharat logo acts as an umbrella, but it sits on top of two underlying certification systems. The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is for commercially processed and exported goods and involves audits by third-party certifiers. Products certified under this system carry both the 'India Organic' mark and the Jaivik Bharat logo. The second system is the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India), a community-driven model designed for small farmers selling locally. These products will also feature the Jaivik Bharat logo alongside a 'PGS-India Organic' logo. For consumers, the key is to ensure the Jaivik Bharat logo is present, as it verifies one of these two certifications.
Key FSSAI and Agricultural Marks
Beyond organic, several other marks provide crucial information. Every packaged food product must have an FSSAI license number and logo. The AGMARK is a certification for agricultural products like spices, honey, and vegetable oils, indicating quality and grading. The green dot in a square signifies a vegetarian product, while a brown dot indicates it is non-vegetarian—a mandatory declaration in India. Another mark, though less common on food, is the BIS mark, which certifies that certain products like bottled water meet Indian standards for quality and safety.
International and Third-Party Certifications
You might also encounter international certification marks. Ecocert is a globally recognised body that certifies organic agricultural and cosmetic products in India according to NPOP standards. Similarly, certifications like 'USDA Organic' for American products or the EU's organic logo may appear on imported goods. However, for a product produced and sold in India, the Jaivik Bharat logo is the primary indicator of compliance with local organic regulations. Always check for the domestic certification first on products made in India.
