How can you begin to
trust an organic shops here in Singapore? There is currently a resurgence in
the demand for organic products. With the market being a multi-billion dollar
industry, it is no wonder that scammers are slowly creeping in, trying to take
part of the spoils of healthy eating. News reports have been circulating
regarding fake organic foods littering supermarkets and local markets. Not only
are these conning people of their hard-earned cash, but these are also health
hazards, with most of them exposed to dangerous chemicals.
Given this volatile
market climate, consumers need to be vigilant now more than ever in checking
and counterchecking products they buy. How can one be sure that the organic oats
they purchase weekly in their favorite grocery are the real thing? How
can they differentiate between an organic product and a wannabe? Check out
these five sure ways to become an organic food lie detector!
How to become a human organic food lie detector
1.
Do your research
Every informed decision is backed up by facts
from credible sources. In order for you to determine what’s real or not, you
must know what’s out there in the first place. Ask around. Read the news. Go
online. Maximize all the sources of information at your disposal. However, be
smart in choosing which ones to believe. With the prevalence of “fake news,”
double-checking your sources isn’t such a bad idea. Watchdog lists can be a
good place to start. Look for lists and surveys done by credible groups like
the Pew Research Center or nonprofit advocacy groups like the Cornucopia
Institute and the Environmental Working Group. Government agencies like the
United States Department of Agriculture also has a list named Organic Integrity
Database. However, this has been reportedly incomplete and unreliable.
2.
Buy from your local
market
One of the best ways to
be sure of the origin of a product is to get it direct from the source. Local
markets are sprouting everywhere nowadays, and most have farms near the place
where they sell. Looking for the best organic maple syrup in Singapore? Check
your local market. Products arrive fresh and are sure to be organic. In
addition to that, buying from your local markets builds relationships—farmers
and sellers to consumers—which in turn builds trust. Ask them how they got
started, what are their farming techniques—the more you know, the less likely
you are to fall victim to fake organic products.
3.
Be wary of well-known
brands
There are organic brands
that you’ve come to recognize, trust and love. You cease to question whether
they’re organic or not on the basis that you’ve been buying them for so long.
However, some of these smaller brands are being bought by larger, more
commercial companies, changing the quality of their products without the
consumers’ knowledge. Investigate and find out whether your favorite brand is
still true to its word.
4.
Read labels and check
codes
Government agencies
usually gives certification to products that are organic. This may come in the
form of labels or stickers. In Singapore, organic products have codes that identify
them as organic. However, be wary! Several reports have claimed that such
labels and codes can also be faked! While food monitoring is being intensified
worldwide to manage this threat, double check your labels and codes before
purchasing.
5.
Trust your senses
As the adage goes: “To
see is to believe.” Use your senses. Organically grown products are seldom
identical and are usually smaller, as there are no artificial growth hormones
involved. Also, organic food smell and taste better.
Follow these five steps,
and for sure, no fake organic product will ever get past you!
Comments
Post a Comment