The Importance of Buying Certified Organic Products

Organic products have become increasingly popular among consumers who prioritise their health and well-being. Sadly, not all products labelled "organic" meet the standards for organic certification. As consumers, we want to make the best choices for our health and the environment, but how can we ensure we're getting what we paid for?

In this blog, we will look into why the lack of National Standards for Organic Products in Australia is an important concern for consumers and what you can do to safeguard you and your family against misleading labels.

‘Certified Organic’ - What To Look For and What Does It Mean

When you buy a product that is certified organic, you can be sure that it has been produced using environmentally friendly practices and that it is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic certification ensures that the product has been grown or produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms. It also considers the health and welfare of the animals, if applicable.

Certified organic products are also subject to regular inspections and audits to ensure that the standards are being upheld. This gives consumers peace of mind that they are getting what they paid for. Therefore, it is essential to look for a certification logo on the packaging to ensure that you are buying an authentic organic product.

These are two examples of Australian Certified Organic bodies, please note there are more than two in Australia.

Misleading Labeling and No National Standards for Organic Products in Australia

In Australia, the organic industry has been calling for mandatory regulation to prevent misleading labelling, but the federal government has yet to acted. This has led to a lack of consistency in the definition of "organic" in Australia, and a third of consumers have been misled into buying products that are not certified organic.

According to Australian Organic Limited in a recent news, the peak industry body for the organic sector in Australia, Australia is the only developed country in the world without consistent domestic regulation for organic products. This means that anyone can claim their products are organic without any verification or certification.

The Lack of National Standards for Organic Products in Australia

In addition to the lack of consistent regulation, there is a definition difference between certified organic and organic in Australia that does not exist anywhere else in the world. In the US or Germany, for instance, if a consumer asks for an organic product, they will get a certified organic product. However, this is not the case in Australia. According to Niki Ford, the Chief Executive of Australian Organic Limited, this difference has led to confusion among consumers, who are not sure what they are buying.

*Misleading Labeling and No National Standards for Organic Products in Australia led to confusion among consumers*

Why Choose Certified Organic Products

Consumers should always choose certified organic products to ensure that they are getting a genuine organic product that has been produced without any nasties. Furthermore, organic certification guarantees that the product adheres to strict regulations. This ensures that the product you are buying is indeed organic and meets the standards of organic certification.

The Importance of Organic Certification in Labels

With the increasing demand for organic products, there has been an increase in misleading labelling practices, which has made it challenging for consumers to differentiate between genuine and fake organic products. It is therefore essential that all organic products come with organic certification labels to ensure that consumers are buying genuine organic products.

Organic certification labels in packaging indicate that the product has been grown or produced according to specific standards and has undergone inspections and audits to ensure that the standards are being upheld. These labels also help to build trust between consumers and organic producers, making it easier for consumers to identify and purchase genuine organic products.

It’s also crucial to check the product label to see how much of the ingredients are organic, as some products claim organic; however, upon further checking, only 1 or 2 of the many ingredients are organic.

At My Dad's Honey, we are proud of our Certified Organic Status

*My Dad’s Honey Official ACO Certification with number found in our product labels and packaging*

At My Dad's Honey, we believe in the importance of organic certification. Our honey is certified organic by Australian Certified Organic (ACO), an independent organization that has established strict guidelines for organic beekeeping and honey production. To achieve certification, we strive to make sure we follow the ACO guidelines during which our compliance is monitored through 12-month auditing.

Our honey is produced by bees that forage on flowers that have not been treated with chemicals. Additionally, our bees have not been given antibiotics. We use natural methods to manage pests and diseases and follow ethical beekeeping practices to ensure the health and welfare of our bees.

Specifically, our apiary location is not located within a 5-kilometer radius of pollution sources which may cause contamination of honey by returning and/or actively foraging bees.

In addition, Hygiene and Hive Management is a critical focus of our operations to ensure the health and welfare of the hive, and disease and pest prevention.

Furthermore, our honey is stored at below 45 degrees Celsius and not stored in conditions that may pose a contamination risk from containers or their surroundings.

Buying Certified Organic Honey Direct from Beekeepers

*My Dad’s Honey is Australian Certified Organic and 100% Australian-made and owned*

Did you know?

My Dad’s Honey is the ONLY Australian Certified Organic Honey producer in Victoria that sells direct to consumers. It means you are buying directly from us - the beekeepers, and you are getting 100% certified organic raw honey straight from our beehive to your home.

Here at My Dad's Honey, we are committed to producing high-quality certified organic honey while caring for our environment and bees.

When you buy from My Dad's Honey, you can trust that you are getting a product that is not only delicious but also good for you and the environment. Look for the ACO logo on our packaging to know that you are buying certified organic honey.

Our raw, organic honey is exclusively harvested from our family’s farm. It is cold spun and gravity strained, so My Dad’s Honey comes in its purest natural form. It is loaded with nutrients and chemical-free - just as nature intended.

As a small family business, we are not only passionate about caring for our bees, but we also make it our mission to always provide high-quality products to our community.

That is what makes each drop of our honey even “sweeter”.

Are you getting genuine “organic” products? The Importance of Buying Certified Organic