To Go Organic or Not

The following definition of "organic" was passed by the NOSB at its April 1995 meeting in Orlando, FL.

"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

‘Organic’ is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole.

Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water.

Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people." [Organic Trade Association] 

OK, so that is the official definition.  Unofficially, this is what organic really means; “Organic” on a label means that no artificial substances were used in production of the food and that the highest quality of products were used.  If a label states “organic”, you can trust that there are none of the following in the product:           

§  Artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners

§  Trans-fats/Partially hydrogenated oils

§  MSG

§  Bleached flour

§  Synthetic hormones

§  Antibiotics

§  Nitrates

And there is a reduced amount of:

§  Pesticides/Herbicides

However, it is important to note that a product does not have to be labeled organic in order to uphold to the same criteria.  There are many products on the market that are not “certified” organic but are essentially the same as the organic version. 

Organic certification is a controversial topic.  Organics do cost more money and opponents of the system state it is turning into "big business";  getting certified is more political than anything else.  However, proponents state that it is important to maintain trustworthy standards so that consumers can feel safe about the food choices they make.  It is very difficult to get certified, so many farmers do not have the means to do it. However, they believe in the same principles and run their farms based on those common principles.  But some farmers don’t share those principles and see nothing wrong with chemicals and hormones being used.  As a consumer, you may not know the good ones from the bad ones, so the organic label helps you know.  However, the “quasi-organic” farmers, as I will call them, can also be found just by looking at the label. 

§  Does the label state “no artificial hormones ever used” (or something like that)?

§  Does the label state “vegetarian-fed” diet?

§  Do the foods come from a local farmer? 

These are clues to help you decide.  Usually, milk does not have to be organic if the label states that hormones are not used.  Most local milk is “quasi-organic”.    A meat label may state “naturally raised without the use of synthetic hormones”, but not be certified organic.  Often times, farmers will not use any growth hormones or antibiotics for growth purposes, but may give an animal an antibiotic if they become ill.  This is completely understandable, however, once they treat the animal with an antibiotic, they can not claim organic status.  These items are perfectly acceptable and you do not need to pay the extra $$ for the “certified” label. 

If you buy organics, you know what you are getting is made with healthy ingredients.  You don’t have to read the label with a magnifying glass.  However, because they are more expensive you may be able to get the same healthy foods without having to buy organic.  Here is a list of helpful tips: 

When you should buy organic: 

§  Pre-Boxed or Pre-Packaged Meals:  Foods like frozen dinners, quick-fix meals, macaroni and cheese in a box, etc… (However, you can sometimes find non-organics that do not contain the “bad stuff”.  Brands like 365 or Trader Joe's are some good examples.  Read the label)

§  Canned Soup

§  Packaged desserts (cookies, granola bars)

§  Vegetable Shortening

§  Bacon, Hot dogs

§  Meats:  They taste better, are more tender, and are guaranteed not to have hormones, steroids and/or antibiotics injected into the animals which, any one of these things can be bad for your health.  However, you can get away with “quasi-organic”.  Just make sure the meat is labeled and states that no artificial substances or hormones were used.  You will get quality meat and save yourself the additional cost of the organic label.

§  Fruits and vegetables that contain edible skin or edible exteriors.  However, you can always wash fruits and veggies with soap and water to remove waxes and chemicals. It is better to buy organic, but if you can’t find organic, buy conventional and wash thoroughly.  Check fruits for freshness and always try to buy in season or from local farms, when possible. Fruits and veggies out of season can be quite nasty tasting, especially foods like corn on the cob or berries. 

When you can buy “quasi-organic”:  

§  Meats

§  Deli Meat (ask for store-baked).  Avoid highly-processed meats (salami, bologna, pepperoni or pre-packaged brands)

§  Milk (Big Y brand states all natural/no hormones, so does Hood)  Check your label.

 

It’s a personal decision

  

Buying organic is a personal decision that one makes. I cannot make that decision for you; however I can recommend when I think it is in the best interest of your health to do so, as I have done in the above paragraph.   You may decide that it is not worth it to buy organic, you may decide to buy some organic items or you may decide to go completely organic; the choice is yours. I have compiled a list of general pros/cons to buying organics.

Here is a list of some arguments in support of purchasing organic:

 

1.      It is easier to maintain your health because you know you are only eating nutritious foods full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, natural fats (not synthetic ones), hormone-free proteins and whole grain carbohydrates.

2.     You can help ensure that your metabolism will go undisturbed as it is no longer being taken over by chemicals that alter your body’s natural biochemistry.   This is crucial for maintaining or losing weight.

3.     You know you can easily avoid trans-fats, MSG, high saturated fats, high sugar contents, high-fructose corn syrup, etc… If the label states organic.

 

4.      We live in a supply and demand economy meaning price is dictated by quantity sold.  The more people buy organic, the lower the costs will become for consumers.  By purchasing organic products, you are actually helping to lower their price and make these foods available to more people.

5.     It makes a political statement that you support natural foods and health; that you support local and organic agriculture.   When you buy organic you stand up for the rights of all people to have access to nutritious foods and you show food manufacturers that it is important to you that the food being offered to you and your family be worthy of consumption, therefore, creating a demand for healthy products.  Manufacturers make what the consumers demand; create the demand!

6.     You can help avoid diseases such as mad-cow, salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.

 

7.     Organic farming allows animals to live “free-range” and they are treated much better than in factory-farms. 

 

Reasons against buying organic

 

1.     Organic farming is more expensive than conventional farming.

2.     There are a lot of politics involved and many argue that the rules for being certified are too strict and skew the truth about conventional farming.

3.     It can be too expensive to buy organics and many cannot afford to do this.  As long as you clean your fruits and veggies well and buy meats that do not come from large factories, you can save yourself the additional cost.

4.     A cookie is a cookie, regardless of whether or not the sugar is organic. J

5.     Labels can be deceptive and many foods that are not organic are still full of nutritional value.  

6.     Organics can be hard to find, depending on where you shop or where you live.

7.     Most people like to eat foods throughout the year, not just when in season.

8.     Homemade foods can be all natural at a low cost. 

9.     Quasi-organics, or natural foods, can be much more economical and are just as good as their “certified” versions.

10.  It is better to buy local produce that is not organic than to buy organic produce that needs to be shipped from far away places.   

My philosophy is this:  if you can afford organics for the products I recommend above; do it.  If you can’t, don’t stress out about it.  You can rest assured that if you follow the recommendations in this program you are getting nutritious foods. 

Finally, some good news about organics; they are becoming more prevalent and cheaper in price.  It is taking time, but they are becoming more main-stream.  COSTCO is now carrying a wide variety of organics at prices that are a steal compared to grocery store prices…check them out.