Organic Foods

Organic food sales, although only a minor percentage of total food sales nationwide, continue to grow rapidly. Total sales reach billions of dollars annually. New labeling and regulations will ensure that the customer is getting what they pay for. Organic foods typically cost more compared to their non-organic counter part because the cost and labor of producing them is higher.

What are organic foods?

Foods that are produced without the use of pesticides, synthetics, bio-engineering, hormones, antibiotics, irradiation, sludge, or sewage.

Organic foods can be fruits, vegetables, or meat products providing the animals were raised on organically grown feeds.

Organic food is not necessarily natural food. Organic ingredients can be used to create a food that is not naturally found in nature. Natural foods can be grown and produced under non-organic conditions.

What do the new labels mean?

• "100% organic" means all components have been grown or produced under organic conditions and by a certified organic producer.
• "Organic" means it contains at least 95% organic ingredients.
• "Made with organic contents" means it contains at least 70% organic components.

Are organic foods healthier?

Just like any other food, you need to read the lable. Organic foods can have added fats such as cocconut oil, high in saturated fat, or salt too. Whether a vegetable is grown under organic or non-organic conditions, does not change the nutrient content of the plant.

The argument as to the effect on overall health comes from the potentially dangerous pesticides and residues left on the plant. It is fairly clear that synthetic pesticides and residues can be harmful to the soil and water supply. However, not all experts agree that the small amount of residue left on the edible portion of the plant is harmful to us. The best advice is to wash your fresh foods, organic or not, thoroughly prior to handling, cutting, and eating.

For more information see the National Organic Program - Consumer Information website.