Leveraging a background in accounting and management, versatile businessman Hassam Khan works with several firms located in and around Staten Island, New York. In addition to roles within the retail and real estate sector, Hassam Khan directs operations for a Staten Island deli and an organic supermarket in Queens.
Consumers interested in buying organic produce should become familiar with the differences between the several labels that appear on organic foods. The strictest label is the Certified Organic program regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USDA Organic products must be free of genetically-modified organisms and grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or other non-organic processing aids. There are also strict regulations on USDA Organic meats, including a restriction on antibiotics and synthetic hormone use.
In the supermarket, customers can also use price look-up (PLU) numbers to identify if loose produce is organic. Only organically-grown fruits and vegetables are permitted to have five-digit PLUs starting with the number 9.
Additionally, large-scale organic produce vendors who sell at farmers' markets can certify their products by verifying their growing methods with the USDA and earning the right to use the Certified Organic label. Smaller growers are not required to undergo certification. Instead, customers can ask these vendors to provide proof of their organic farming practices.
Consumers interested in buying organic produce should become familiar with the differences between the several labels that appear on organic foods. The strictest label is the Certified Organic program regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USDA Organic products must be free of genetically-modified organisms and grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or other non-organic processing aids. There are also strict regulations on USDA Organic meats, including a restriction on antibiotics and synthetic hormone use.
In the supermarket, customers can also use price look-up (PLU) numbers to identify if loose produce is organic. Only organically-grown fruits and vegetables are permitted to have five-digit PLUs starting with the number 9.
Additionally, large-scale organic produce vendors who sell at farmers' markets can certify their products by verifying their growing methods with the USDA and earning the right to use the Certified Organic label. Smaller growers are not required to undergo certification. Instead, customers can ask these vendors to provide proof of their organic farming practices.
