British researchers have reportedly found a new scientific test for organic food that is superior to the current standard of certification and works by checking for the amount of a certain isotope, or form of nitrogen.

With the help of new test, scientists at the Norwich Research Park were able to detect differences in the nitrogen isotope composition of tomatoes, lettuces and carrots grown organically and conventionally.

The isotope indicates if a particular crop was grown with synthetic nitrogen fertilizer - widely used in conventional agriculture but is banned to be used in organic farming.

The new study, which appears in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, says the latest test would be a great help to protect both consumers and honest organic growers.

Researchers also added that the test should only be used as an additional aid and should not phase out the existing organic certification and inspection programs. The authors said that the existing organic certification and inspection programs should be used in conjunction to the new test.