“Educated organic consumers understand and appreciate the often premium prices they pay for organic products,” says Dr Andrew Monk, BFA chair of the Standards Advisory Group.

"The price of Australian Certified Organic (ACO) products reflects the value behind one of the world’s most stringent agricultural and food standards: the Australian Organic Standard (AOS)

"The AOS mandates certification being independent third party auditing, for use of such organic logos as the organic ‘Bud’ logo, Australia’s most recognised organic logo.

"Unless either products or retailers, including butchers, who sell bulk (non-packaged) items are certified, and bear clear certification reference, consumers should steer well clear."

This is similar to the Heart Tick for health claims, notes Monk, where such a logo is also voluntary and not backed by legislation.

“The good news for consumers is that the organic industry in Australia has a proud history stretching over two decades, of voluntary self regulation through independent third party auditing and certification to industry owned organic standards," he says.

Anyone buying cheap, unmarked products or products from non-certified facilities is ultimately only kidding themselves, while also missing out on the whole point about organics: foods and fibres with integrity.