The simple answer is that, pure water cannot be considered organic. This is because, according to the FDA, organic labeling requires the presence of carbon molecules, and water (H₂O) doesn't have any. Therefore, labeling a product as "organic water" is, from a legal standpoint, misleading and could be punishable.
Here's a breakdown:
Why Pure Water Can't Be Organic
- Lack of Carbon: Organic compounds, by definition, must contain carbon. Water is a simple inorganic molecule composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
- FDA Regulations: The FDA's organic labeling standards are based on the presence of carbon.
- Legally a Scam: Due to these regulations, “organic water” is considered misleading and illegal.
Exceptions to the Rule
While pure water can't be organic, there are exceptions that utilize the term “organic” within a product that does contain water.
- Organic Coconut Water: This is a great example of an exception. The coconut water itself is not organic. However, because the water comes from an organic coconut, where other regulations are followed, it may be labeled as “organic.” The "organic" label here refers to how the coconuts are grown and processed, not the water molecule itself.
- Water in other organic products: Similar to coconut water, the water used in the manufacturing of an organic food or drink product cannot be considered organic, but it can be used within the context of the organic labeling, as long as all the other organic requirements are met.
Understanding Organic Labels
It's important to remember what the "organic" label actually signifies:
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Organic standards focus on how a product is produced, not its molecular composition. It includes factors like pesticide-free farming, soil health, and animal welfare (where applicable).
- Whole Product Context: The “organic” designation typically applies to a whole food product or the way the food was grown, not just individual compounds within the product.
- No Carbon Requirement for Water Alone: The organic label doesn't make sense for the water molecule itself, as it does not contain carbon.
Table Summary
| Aspect | Pure Water | Organic Coconut Water |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Molecules | No | No (in the water itself) |
| Organic Designation | No | Yes (due to the organic coconut) |
| FDA Approval | No | Yes (product approval) |
| Legally Allowed Label | No | Yes (under specific conditions) |
| Reason | Lack of carbon | The way it was farmed |
In conclusion, while pure water will never be considered organic, a product containing water can be labeled "organic" as long as it adheres to the organic standards set forth in its manufacturing.
