A New Zealand scientist has invented a test to discover if
vegetables have been grown organically.
GNS Science's Karyne Rogers said she developed the test to
stop people being "fobbed off by someone else's half-baked
organic vegetables", the Dominion Post reported today.
The isotope test looks at base elements in vegetables, and
shows whether they were raised with organic manure or
industrial fertiliser.
Organic materials contain isotopes such as carbon and
nitrogen.
A criteria for organic vegetables was that only organic
fertiliser, usually manure, could be used.
Dr Rogers said the test showed results within 10 days and was
cheap.
It could also show whether vegetables had been grown
hydroponically or in soil, she said.
Commonsense Organics managing director Jim Kebbell said while
there was already a certification process for organic
growers, the test looked useful.
The Commerce Commission has brought two prosecutions over
false claims of organic food -- both involving butchers.
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