ORGANIC VS. ALL NATURAL   There is no legal definition to what constitutes a "natural" food. However, the FDA maintains a policy that products labeled as "natural" cannot include any added color, synthetic substances, or flavors. The food industry uses the term "natural" to indicate that a food has been minimally processed and is preservative-free.  Natural foods can include organic foods, but not all natural foods are organic.  Only foods labeled "organic" have been certified and meet USDA organic standards. Organic food health benefits: Much lower pesticide levels More vitamins and nutrients Synthetic additives minimized No GMOs Irradiation is prohibited

Furmano's carries a line of Organic Canned Dry Beans for the Foodservice business segment.  For more information on Furmano's Organic products click here.   Q.   What is Organic Food? A.  Organic food is grown and produced without the aid of chemical pesticides and is processed only with natural additives.  Under USDAs national system for labeling organic foods, foods that consist of 95% organic ingredients can carry the USDA seal, while foods that contain 70% organic ingredients can use the phrase "Made With Organic Ingredients."     Q.  Why should I be concerned? A. There are problems associated with traditional chemically-dependent, land-intensive agriculture such as soil erosion, toxic runoff, decreased biodiversity and health risks.  In regard to health risks, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires extensive test data from pesticide producers that demonstrate pesticide products can be used without posing harm to human health and the environment.