Organic Baby Food
What Does “Organic” Really Mean When It Comes to Baby Food?
When you think about organic food, what comes to mind?
Maybe it’s something like: What actually makes a food “organic”? or Are there any real benefits to choosing organic?
Or maybe your first reaction was more along the lines of “yeah nah, not for me.”
Whatever your thoughts, if you’re still here reading, that’s brilliant. This post is all about unpacking those two questions.
If you do have something more specific on your mind, feel free to get in touch with the team at Bellamy’s Organic.
So, what actually makes food “organic”?
To be certified organic in Australia, food must be produced:
Without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers
Without genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Without artificial colours, artificial flavours, or artificial preservatives
With care for animal welfare, biodiversity, and soil health
Farms must meet strict criteria set by independent certifying bodies like Australian Certified Organic (ACO) [https://aco.net.au/what-is-organic-certification/]
and NASAA Certified Organic (NCO) [https://www.nasaa.com.au/certification/].
To meet these requirements, farms go through regular audits to make sure they’re following organic practices.
Although it’s not just about how food is grown or how animals are raised. Organic certification also includes how products are handled, transported, and packaged before they reach you.
Bellamy’s Organic proudly holds certification from both ACO and NASAA, offering parents extra peace of mind about the integrity of the products they choose.
So... are there benefits?
This breakdown shares how some families approach organic, and the factors they consider along the way.
|
Potential Benefits (Why Some Parents Choose Organic) |
Things to Consider |
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No artificial additives (preservatives, colours, flavours) |
Organic standards do not allow artifical preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours. Some parents prefer this approach as a way to simplify their child’s diet. Food additives used in conventional infant products are assessed and approved by FSANZ [https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/additives/Pages/default.aspx] and considered safe when used within regulated limits. |
|
Avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers |
Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers entirely. For some families, this aligns with their desire to limit their child's exposure. Please note that in Australia, conventional produce is regularly tested to ensure pesticide levels remain within safe limits set by FSANZ [https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/chemicals/pesticides/Pages/default.aspx]. |
|
No GMOs |
Organic certification prohibits GMOs, and some families prefer to avoid them due to personal beliefs or precautionary principles. |
|
Supports animal welfare (e.g. pasture-raised livestock, organic feed) |
Organic certification ensures this, but animal welfare standards also vary across conventional producers. |
|
Linked to environmental benefits like soil health, biodiversity, and reduced chemical run-off |
Organic farming methods are often associated with improved soil health, reduced chemical run-off, and greater biodiversity. Sources: FAO [https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1607504/], FAO [https://www.fao.org/4/y4137e/y4137e02b.htm], Muller et al., 2019 [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2019.00082/full] |
Of course, it’s also worth mentioning that organic products can cost more—and they’re not always easy to find.
That’s a practical consideration for many families, and one that can be just as important as the ingredients on the label.
Before you go
You’ve just explored what organic means, why some families value it, and how it fits into a broader conversation about food choices and farming practices.
And that’s enough.
There’s value in simply learning more, even if your thoughts or choices stay the same.
This blog post is general in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a comprehensive and exhaustive set of guidelines. This blog post has been prepared in consultation with a qualified paediatric dietician. However, it is not tailored to individual circumstances and no material found in this post is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice. If you require immediate medical attention, please contact emergency services immediately or seek alternative and appropriate medical services.
