Do organic certification standards differ by country? And how they relate to our health ~ Nutritionist's Column Vol. 137

In recent years, interest in "organic foods" has been growing rapidly in Japan as well.
We are seeing more and more products bearing the Organic JAS mark in supermarkets and on e- commerce sites, and as awareness of health and the environment grows, more and more people are incorporating them into their daily diets.

However, did you know that even though the term "organic" is used in general terms, its definition and standards vary greatly from country to country?
This time, we will compare the organic certification systems of major countries and provide an easy-to-understand explanation of each country's culture, their attitude toward organic products, and how they affect our health.

Major organic certification systems around the world

 EU organic certification ( EU Organic )
- The most stringent unified standards. A system with high environmental and ethical awareness.

This system, which operates under the unified " EU Organic Logo" within the EU , is one of the strictest standards in the world, prohibiting the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, eliminating genetically modified crops ( GMOs ), and requiring consideration for animal welfare.

Traceability is mandatory at all stages of production, processing, and distribution, strongly reflecting a culture that emphasizes "ethical consumption." 

USA ( USDA Organic )
- A highly flexible system that also accommodates large-scale production -

The USDA Organic certification established by the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) is a flexible system that allows for large-scale production by companies as the organic market expands.
Because the country is so vast, the system is designed to be suitable for mass production, which has led to the industrialization of organic brands by companies, and in some regions the auditing system is more relaxed. Although organic products are in fact an extension of "large-scale agriculture," only products that meet certain standards can be labeled " organic ."

With a consumer base that is highly health-conscious and nature-oriented, the US organic market is one of the largest in the world.

Australia ( Australian Certified Organic : ACO , etc.)
~Organic farming that makes use of abundant nature and vast land~

Australia has several government-approved certification agencies, and there are many organic livestock farms and large organic farms, with strict restrictions on the use of pesticides and antibiotics. The environment makes it easy to ensure traceability, and exports of high-quality organic agricultural products are also thriving.

It is characterized by its high level of trust in the international market.

Japan ( JAS organic certification)
~A system that emphasizes meticulous management and trust~

The JAS organic certification established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sets detailed standards such as the organic cultivation period, the non-use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and the contents of the compost. However, due to hurdles such as small fields and high transition costs, only a small number of farmers have obtained organic certification.

In Japan, people place importance on feelings such as "safety and security" and "buying from a trustworthy producer," and organic is also supported as an option that allows people to feel a " connection with others. "

The "national values" behind organic certification

The standards and operational systems for organic certification strongly reflect the culture and values of each country.

• In countries with vast land areas such as the United States and China , it is difficult to grasp the production location and process, so the significance of the "certification label = proof of safety" becomes even stronger.
• In Europe , there is a culture of choosing organic products that places importance on environmental impact and animal welfare, and also includes "social value."
• In Japan , keywords such as "additive-free," "safety," and "family health" are emphasized, and products are chosen especially by people raising children and the elderly.

3 reasons why organic is good for your health

It's often said that "organic = healthy," but how does it actually affect our bodies? There are three main reasons.

1. Low risk of pesticide residues
Organic farming strictly limits the use of pesticides, so it is believed that the amount of residual pesticides absorbed into the body is lower than with conventional agricultural products. Organic farming is a good choice for people who want to reduce the risk of long-term health effects as much as possible from their daily diet.

2. High in antioxidants
Some studies have shown that organic vegetables contain large amounts of antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin C. These are believed to be involved in preventing aging and lifestyle-related diseases, and are attracting attention from health-conscious people.

3. No antibiotics or growth hormones used (livestock farming)
In organic livestock farming, the administration of antibiotics and growth hormones is prohibited as a general rule, which avoids the risk of these substances accumulating in the body. This is particularly reassuring for those who are concerned about the effects on the body, such as small children and pregnant women.

Choosing organic is choosing a lifestyle

Of course, choosing organic foods doesn't guarantee you won't get sick, but being mindful of what you and your family put into your body is the first step to a healthier lifestyle.
Choosing organic is not just about choosing ingredients , it is also about asking yourself how you want to live and what values you want to cherish.

Our daily meals are made up of a series of small choices. The choices we make, starting with what we eat, will make our lives healthier and more fulfilling.

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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industry Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara

Nutritional guidance in the healthcare field and agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.

With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which holds outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in promoting local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, and training planning and management. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate these ingredients more effectively into consumer health.
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