What Does “Organic” Mean?
What is organic food?
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasise the use of renewable resources and the
conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. It is
produced without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage
sludge-based fertilizers, bio-engineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no
antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic systems replenish and maintain soil fertility,
eliminate the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically
diverse agriculture.
Is “natural” the same as “organic”?
No. Seeing the word “natural” on a label does not guarantee the food has been
produced in a renewable way and without the use of pesticides. Only labels with the words
“Certified Organic” can guarantee such claims. As of October 21, 2002, the US
Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put in place a set of national standards that food
labelled “organic” must meet, whether it is grown domestically or imported from
other countries. To determine whether a food meets the USDA's standards, a US
government–approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the
farmer is following all the necessary rules. Companies that handle or process organic food
before it gets distributed to stores or restaurants must be certified as well.
Are organic foods more nutritious?
Organic foods of all kinds have nutritional characteristics similar to their conventionally
produced counterparts. Essentially the same amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and dietary fibre in a glass of organic milk is found in a
glass of milk produced nonorganically. Although studies have indicated that organically grown
crops have higher nutrient content more often than conventionally grown crops, it is not clear
whether this could have a long-term effect on human health. Some people who prefer organic
food believe that it is more nutritious.
Does organic food taste better?
The USDA makes no claims that organically produced food tastes better than conventionally
produced food—only that it is grown, handled, and processed differently. Many people
believe organic fruits and vegetables have an excellent taste; some believe they contain more
nutrients. Many chefs prefer organic fruits and vegetables because they think they taste
better and help create agriculture sustainable for generations to come.
Why does organic food cost more?
Organic agriculture is not subsidized to the same extent as conventional agriculture, and
organic practices, such as hand weeding, are often labour-intensive, and therefore more
expensive. Because organic farms and industry are generally small, they cannot take advantage
of economies of scale. Organic agriculture utilizes conservation practices that protect soil,
water, and air; while they do cost more, those who employ and support these practices view the
extra cost as an investment in the future.
Copyright © 2006 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Healthnotes.
The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes
only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult
your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any
supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
Information expires March 2007.
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