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Helpful suggestions on selecting organic food
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by Alison Church
Dietetic Intern
Organic meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and produce now are offered alongside the versions most people have bought for years.
While selecting between organic and non-organic items may be confusing,
causing some to be suspicious of what is in the non-organic and what
constitutes organic, the choice often can be driven by cost, since
organic foods tend to be more expensive.
Determining what is organic, and whether a product maker can claim so
on labels and packaging, is based upon criteria established by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), which states that an organic food
must be:
- produced by farmers using renewable resources and demonstrating a commitment to enhance the environment;
- meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products that come from animals that are free of growth hormones;
- produced
without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with
synthetic ingredients, bioengineering or ionizing radiation;
- certified
by a government-approved inspector to ensure the product or its
production meets USDA organic standards before being labeled organic.
With
a better understanding of the difference between organic and
non-organic foods, deciding on whether one should purchase an organic
tomato, for instance, or the non-organic tomato should include
considerations such as:
- Limiting
one’s exposure to pesticides. Choose organic versions or thoroughly
wash the skin of non-organic fruits and vegetables before eating it.
- Preferring
nutritious and delicious foods. Some evidence has shown that organic
foods may contain more antioxidants, however, not enough research is
available to determine to what extent. While the USDA certifies organic
foods, it does not claim these foods are safer or more nutritious.
- Whether
or how a product is really organic. Carefully read the label on a
product to determine how organic the product actually is. The three
classifications for organic foods include: 100 percent organic, organic
and made with organic ingredients.
- Budgetary
constraints. Organic products are generally a bit higher in price due
to more expensive farming practices and lower crop yields. Ask if the
benefits outweigh the cost.
The
decision to choose organic or non-organic foods may involve a number of
considerations including price, food safety, perceived nutritional
benefits and environmental considerations. Proper handling and washing
ready-to-eat foods is always advised, regardless of the organic claim.
Friday, Feb. 20, 2009
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