The 411 on Organic Food

organic

We’re in the midst of an organic food boom. Once available only at health food stores, many consumers are looking for natural, environmentally friendly foods. And most of the nation’s major food producers, including retail giants, are hard at work developing organic versions of everything from cereal to mac-and-cheese.

But expect to pay more. Organic foods are more labor-intensive to grow and don’t get government subsidies.

Going Organic
So, are organic foods really better for you and worth the added expense? If you focus on foods that are laden with the highest amounts of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones, you shouldn’t break the bank. Consumer Reports offers this list of the organic food items that are worth buying, and those that aren’t:

Worth Buying
as Often as Possible 		Worth Buying If Money Is No Object Not Worth Buying
Apples Asparagus Cosmetics
Baby food Avocados Seafood
Bell peppers Bananas  
Celery Bread  
Cherries Broccoli  
Dairy Cauliflower  
Eggs Cereals  
Imported grapes Canned vegetables  
Meat Dried fruit  
Nectarines Kiwi  
Peaches Mangos  
Pears Oils  
Poultry Onions  
Potatoes Papaya  
Red raspberries Pasta  
Spinach Pineapples  
Strawberries Potato chips  
  Sweet corn  
  Sweet peas  

According to USDA, foods labeled “organic” must meet certain national standards, whether grown in the U.S. or imported from other countries. Here’s the USDA’s organic food primer:

What is organic food?
Food produced by farmers emphasizing the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.

Is organic food better for my family and me?
The USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. While an increasing number of consumers believe organic food tastes better, organic food does differ from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled and processed.

When I go to the supermarket, how can I tell organically produced food from conventionally produced food?
Look at package labels and watch for signs in the supermarket. Along with the national organic standards, the USDA developed strict labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The USDA Organic seal also tells you that a product is at least 95 percent organic.

Single-Ingredient Foods
Look for the word “organic” and a small sticker version of the USDA Organic seal on vegetables or pieces of fruit. Or they may appear on the sign above the organic produce display. The word “organic” and the seal may also appear on packages of meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese and other single-ingredient foods.

Will I find the USDA Organic seal on all 100 percent organic products, or products with at least 95 percent organic ingredients?
No. The use of the seal is voluntary.

How is use of the USDA Organic seal protected?
People who sell or label a product “organic” when they know it does not meet USDA standards can be fined up to $11,000 for each violation.

Does natural mean organic?
No. Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don’t confuse these terms with organic. Only food labeled organic has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.

Health experts agree, that regardless of whether you choose locally grown, organic or conventional foods, the important thing is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The health benefits of such a diet far outweigh any potential risks from pesticide exposure.

Organic Food Shopping Guide

The U.S. market for organic foods has skyrocketed in recent years and is expected to more than double by 2009. Here’s a guide to organic labeling you can use the next time you go shopping:

  • 100% organic: No synthetic ingredients are allowed by law.
  • Organic: At least 95 percent of ingredients are organically produced.
  • Made with organic ingredients: At least 70 percent of ingredients are organic; the other 30 percent are from a USDA-approved list.
  • Free-range or free-roaming: Animals had an undetermined amount of daily outdoor access. This label does not provide much information about the product.
  • Natural or all natural: Doesn’t mean organic and claims are not checked. No standard definition, except for meat and poultry products, which may not contain any artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives or synthetic ingredients.

Source:The National Organic Program, Consumer reports, WebMD

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