Curious Parents Family Health Resources

Food Bites

Is O the Way to Go?
Buying Organic Foods
By Laura Zurita, RD, LDN

Just a few years ago, the word “organic” called to mind granola eating, Birkenstock-wearing nature lovers who ground their own peanut butter and dyed their own clothing. Times have changed, and now new products from cereal to candy are being marketed to consumers as “organic” and therefore presumably better for us and our families. But are they? Is the premium price most organic foods cost worth it?

Prior to the introduction of pesticides and other chemicals used in farming in the 1940s, all farms used to be organic. While use of these chemicals increased yields and minimized losses from pests, questions about the effect on both the environment and consumers began to surface again in the 1960s and 1970s. And as if waiting on cue, organic farming started to spring up again. Back then there were no standards—organic farms differed from one to the other in what was allowable or banned from use.

In a smart move just over four years ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established standards and a National Organic Program regulating what could be labeled as organic. Unlike other labeling terms such as “natural” or “wholesome,” use of the term “certified organic” is specific and defined. Organic foods are grown and/or processed free of synthetic pesticides, hormones, and fertilizers as well as antibiotics. Organic foods are not genetically modified or irradiated, and the growth and processing methods used often to help conserve water and soil, and reduce ground water pollution.

Organic does not intend to be a health or safety claim; instead, it refers to an agricultural growing method. The USDA does not claim that organic foods are healthier, tastier or safer than conventionally grown foods, however, the perception is that organic foods are healthier with the absence of added chemicals.

So should you go organic? Depending on the type of food, you may want to switch some of what you buy to organic if you have concerns about the chemicals used on and in our food supply. 

Meat & Dairy

Farmers have long used feed that contains antibiotics to both encourage growth and prevent illness in their animals. This has led to a type of “resistance” to certain antibiotics for our own illnesses, because of the foods we consume. For this reason, many farmers as well as food producers are starting to reduce the amount of antibiotics used and allowed. Certified organic animals consume organic grain which is free of animal byproducts.

Some products labels may have “no antibiotics added” or “growth hormone free” statements that may not meet all of the organic specifications, but may offer a more economical option to those cringing at the price of organic food. Many dairy producers have chosen to eliminate rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) in all of their products, with no additional cost for the consumer, and even Starbucks has plans to totally eliminate products with added hormones in their stores. 

Produce 

Some produce is likely to contain more pesticide and fertilizer residue than others. Items with thicker skin or outer coverings offer more protection and some simply tend to absorb less. Make sure you always wash your produce well and peel the skins off those you may question. Organic produce sometimes is misshapen, may not be uniform in color, and is lacking the waxes and dyes that may be added to conventionally grown produce.

What to Look For

Remember that if a product is labeled “natural,” “hormone free,” or “free range” that does not mean organic. While these designations presently have no government standards, they may satisfy your desire to prevent unwanted substances from entering your family’s diet. When buying organic, look for the following:

1. 100% organic: this indicates that all of a product’s content is certified organic. Many products will have the USDA Organic Seal.

2. Organic: At least 95 percent of the content is certified organic. Many of these products will also have the USDA Organic Seal.

3. Made with Organic Ingredients: For these products, at least 70 percent of the ingredients are organic. No logo can be used.

4. Organic Content: If less than 70 percent of the contents are organic, “organic” can only be listed on the product label’s ingredient listing, not on the front.

Laura Zurita is a registered and licensed dietitian, food technologist, and educator. Her passion is communicating information about nutrition and the science of food to all types of audiences. Currently she is a mostly stay-at-home mom in New Jersey.