The World Health Organization estimates that about 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning occur each year. Synthetic chemicals used in agricultural activities are also believed to lead to the development of diseases that affect the kidneys, lungs, and liver, and may affect the neurological and behavioral development of small children.
These scary facts have prompted more and more moms and health-conscious consumers to choose only the freshest ingredients for their families, which is one factor that has bolstered the "organic revolution."
"Organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products. When you see fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and meat labeled "organic" in the supermarket, it means these products have been produced, grown, and processed virtually without chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and growth hormones.
Choosing organic food, though more expensive, is worth it. Benefits include avoiding the risk of cancer as well as developing antibiotic resistance. While your child's health is a top priority, your household budget is a real issue.
At least start with meat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "purchasing meat from organic farms that do not use antibiotics for nontherapeutic uses has the potential to reduce antibiotic resistance in bacteria that infect people." Check out this list of produce that you're better off buying organic.
Not every product you see in the market labeled "organic" is actually organic, though. To learn how to tell which products are truly organic, follow these tips:
Check if the produce is sold in season.
Keep in mind that organic produce—fruits and vegetables—are generally sold in season because they require less to no chemicals and have undergone little to no processing. Produce sold when they're not typically in season may have been grown using chemical means.
Look at the label.
Don't take labels for granted, especially when it comes to milk and other products for your kids. Ones that are labeled organic should carry a certification seal such as the one from the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP).
The organic certification covers the whole production system—from farm production to processing and trading. When a product is OCCP-certified, it means the producers (fields, farms, facilities), production system (planting and harvest), and finished products (processing, packaging, labeling, storage, and handling) have met the OCCP standards.
This also means that 95% of the ingredients in the product you are holding are "organic."
Read the product information.
Study the information printed on the product's packaging. A legitimately certified organic food product should have a lot or batch number. The product label should also include a list of all the ingredients arranged in order of their weight percentage. It should be clear which ingredients are certified organic and which are not.
As a busy mom, you may not have a lot of time to spend reading labels at the supermarket and scrutinizing the product information for harmful chemicals and ingredients. But the benefits will all be worth it.
Don’t be fooled by processed products out in the market that claim to be organic. To ensure that the products you give to your kids are made only from the best organic ingredients, it pays to do some research. But if you’re pressed for time, just look for certified organic products like Promil Organic.
Remember that you are in control of what you put in your body as well as your child's. Making a responsible choice can help you and your little one in the long run.
Promil Organic is for kids above 3 years old and is not intended as a breastmilk substitute. It is available in supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. Visit Promil Organic's Facebook page or its website for more information about the product.
ASC Reference No.: W004P083118P
