What 'Natural' Really Means
The word 'natural' on a food package sounds wholesome and pure, but it is one of the most loosely defined terms in the food industry. In India, there is no strict legal or regulatory definition for a 'natural' product. Generally, it implies that the food is minimally
processed and free from artificial colours, flavours, or synthetic preservatives. However, this label tells you almost nothing about how the core ingredients were grown. A product labelled 'natural' could still be made from crops grown using chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. The term focuses on what happens during processing, not on the farm. Because it is not a certified term, brands can use it as a marketing tool, appealing to our desire for healthier options without having to meet specific, enforceable standards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has noted the potential for such claims to be misleading.
The 'Organic' Standard Explained
In stark contrast, the term 'organic' is highly regulated in India. For a product to be legally sold as 'organic', it must comply with strict standards set by the government. These regulations are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017. Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It relies on practices like crop rotation and composting to maintain soil health and biodiversity. To ensure these standards are met, products must be certified. In India, there are two primary certification systems: the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and the Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India). These systems involve regular audits and a clear paper trail from farm to shelf.
Look for the Jaivik Bharat Logo
To help consumers easily identify genuine organic products and avoid confusion, the FSSAI introduced the 'Jaivik Bharat' logo in 2017. This unified logo is mandatory for all certified organic products sold in the Indian domestic market. The logo features a circle representing holistic wellness, a leaf symbolising nature, and a tick mark confirming its certified status. When you see the Jaivik Bharat logo on a package, it serves as a visual guarantee that the product has been certified under either the NPOP or PGS-India system. A product can only carry this logo if at least 95% of its agricultural ingredients are certified organic. Think of it as the organic equivalent of the green and red dots for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food; it’s a simple, trustworthy sign of authenticity.
Natural vs. Organic: The Key Differences
The distinction boils down to regulation and farming methods. 'Natural' is a vague marketing term focused on minimal processing and no artificial additives. 'Organic' is a legally protected term that guarantees specific agricultural practices. Here’s a simple breakdown: Farming: 'Natural' products may come from farms using chemical pesticides and fertilisers. 'Organic' products must come from farms that do not. Certification: There is no mandatory certification for 'natural'. 'Organic' products must be certified by an accredited body under NPOP or PGS-India and display the Jaivik Bharat logo. Processing: While 'natural' products are typically minimally processed, they may still contain synthetic preservatives. Certified organic products must use naturally derived preservation methods. Trust: The 'natural' claim relies on trusting the brand’s marketing. The 'organic' claim is verified by a third-party audit system.
How to Be a Smarter Shopper
Navigating the grocery store becomes much simpler with this knowledge. First, always look past front-of-pack claims like 'wholesome' or 'pure'. Turn the package over and search for official logos. For organic products, the Jaivik Bharat logo is your most reliable guide. Second, read the ingredient list. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first few items tell you what the product is mostly made of. A short ingredient list is good, but it doesn't automatically mean healthy. Finally, don't let a 'natural' label lull you into a false sense of security. Since it's unregulated, treat the claim with healthy skepticism and prioritise products with verifiable certifications when you're looking for food grown without synthetic chemicals.
