Organic Food and Synthetic Micronutrients
Watch out for any organically listed product claiming micronutrients and questionable natural ingredients. They probably aren’t truly organic, as the product is intended to be used only after a documented deficiency.
The Use of Acids in Fish Stabilization for Safe Organic Shopping
Be suspicious of any fish fertilizer with high phosphate levels. Synthetic sulfuric and phosphoric acid are allowed to “adjust pH” to stabilize the finished product to a certain point, but they certainly can still be claimed on a fertilizer label.
Potassium Hydroxide as a Sea Plant Processing Agent in Organic Buying
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is the highly acidic agent you might commonly find in a pH-up product. Be wary of any kelp product that claims high potassium levels and doesn’t mention enzyme-type hydrolysis, as potassium hydroxide is allowed as a processing agent.
Shady Manufacturers and Organic Buying Tips
Although the system is cleaner and better regulated than ever, the organic industry has suffered from straight fraud, such as manufacturers spiking synthetic nitrogen in liquid nitrogen products. If you have reason to suspect fraud, be reasonably suspicious and report it to the certifying agency.
Soils containing non-virgin compost
Many companies use green waste, which comprises everything from yard waste to construction scraps to industrial paper inputs. These practices raise concerns about the true nature of organic food.
Names that have the word “organic”
As the law currently interprets, a brand name typically cannot contain the word “organic” if the product is not on the official list. But in some cases, the name of a conventional company can contain the word organic. Companies use “mashups” or modified words that are intended to sound like organic, often misleading consumers looking for authentic organic buying tips.
In-person and direct-deceptive marketing
Many companies have claimed that their products are organic and built “whisper” campaigns to promote them—when in fact, they are not listed and are not organic. Being part of the system does at least increase regulation and review and makes it more difficult for nonprofessional manufacturers, enhancing safe organic shopping practices.
Pedigrees of cannabis-specific certifying agencies
New entrants in this marketing arena aren’t allowed to use organic and have no legal requirement to follow the system for what we now define as organic. Some have also displayed potential conflicts of interest and cozy associations with one manufacturer or another. This highlights the challenges in navigating the organic market, especially for those new to organic food.