Organic Food...Some Facts You Should Know

Organic Foods - Worth Buying Or Not?


Organic foods are more expensive than nonorganic because these foods are more labor-intensive to grow and do not receive government farm subsidies.
Consumer Reports recently published a list itemizing of organic foods and some guidelines when considering spending that extra cash to purchase them. The criterium included the government standards required for certified ‘organic‘ - use of pesticides, antibiotics or hormones in the raising or production of organic food products. Environmental issues were not considered:

Organic foods to purchase as often as possible: Apples, baby food, bell peppers, celery, cherries, dairy, eggs, imported grapes, meat, nectarines, peaches, pears, poultry, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, and strawberries.

Organic foods if you‘ve got deep pockets: Asparagus, avocados, bananas, bread, broccoli, cauliflower, cereals, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, oils, onions, papaya, pasta, pineapples, potato chips, and sweet peas, canned vegetables and dried fruit.

Organic foods not worth the money: seafood and cosmetics. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has no set standards for organic seafood; wild and/or farmed seafood can be labeled "organic" even if they contain contaminants (mercury and PCBs).

Cosmetics typically contain a mélange of ingredients that do not necessarily originate from organic agriculture.

The Cost ($$$)
50% is the average extra cost for organic food, but 100% extra is the norm for milk and meat.

Consumer Reports listed the following ideas to cut costs of organic foods:
• Comparison shop
• Buy locally produced organic foods from farmer’s markets
• Buy a share in a community-supported organic farm or food co-op to get a regular supply of seasonal organic produce
• Order by mail

Misting of foods in your local market can allow pesticide residue to run from nonorganic to organic foods. Be sure that your organic food choices are not placed on the shelves in too close proximity to the nonorganic foods.

Did You Know?
Widespread use of antibiotics in conventionally raised animals may cause drug resistance. Synthetic growth hormones may cause cancer or accelerate puberty for girls.
Synthetic growth hormones are banned for poultry and any organically raised animals. Something to consider for anyone planning to become pregnant, pregnant or nursing women. The criticism: The National Dairy Council's web site states that “milk from hormone-treated cows has repeatedly been shown to be safe for human consumption." You choose…we live in a democratic union….

What's 'Organic?'
• "100% organic": No synthetic ingredients are allowed by law.
• "Organic": At least 95% of ingredients are organically produced.
• "Made with Organic Ingredients": At least 70% of ingredients are organic; the other 30% are from a list approved by the USDA.
• "Free-range" or "free-roaming": Animals had an undetermined amount of daily outdoor access.
• "Natural" or "All Natural": Doesn't mean organic. Claims aren't checked.

Drug-free, pesticide-free, chemical-free….equals GOOD QI! Do the best you can when selecting your food choices. Not everyone can afford the prices of organic foods, but whatever your budget - buy as fresh and 100% organic as you possibly can! You’ll eat better and feel better!