Organic Foods

What is organic food?

Making a commitment to healthy eating is a great start towards a healthier life. Beyond eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good fats, however, there is the question of food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. How foods are grown or raised can impact both your health and the environment. This brings up the questions: What is the difference between organic foods and conventionally grown foods? Is “organic” always best? What about locally grown foods?

What does “organic” mean?

The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. Specific requirements must be met and maintained in order for products to be labeled as "organic".

Organic crops must be grown in safe soil, have no modifications and must remain separate from conventional products. Farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers and sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors and be given organic feed. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal-by-products.

Is organic food more nutritious than non-organic food?

The evidence is unclear. Some studies suggest that, on average, organically grown fruits and vegetables may contain slightly higher levels of vitamin C, trace minerals, and antioxidant phytonutrients than conventionally grown produce. However, other studies have found no nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods.

The benefits of organic food

Organic foods provide a variety of benefits. Some studies show that organic foods have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally grown counterparts. In addition, people with allergies to foods, chemicals or preservatives often find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods. In addition:

• Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. These chemicals are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat.

• Organic food is often fresher. Fresh food tastes better. Organic food is usually fresher when eaten because it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is often (but not always, so watch where it is from!) produced on smaller farms near where it is sold.
• Organic farming is better for the environment. Organic farming practices reduce pollution (air, water, soil), conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. In addition, organic farming is better for birds and small animals, since chemical pesticides can make it hard for birds and small animals to reproduce and can even kill them. It is also better for the people who harvest our food.
• Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal byproducts. The use of antibiotics in conventional meat production helps create antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. This means that when someone gets sick from these strains they will be less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Not feeding animal byproducts to other animals reduces the risk of mad cow disease. In addition, the animals are given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, both of which help to keep the animals healthy. The more crowded the conditions, the more likely an animal is to get sick.

Organic farming / locally grown produce

Organic farming refers to the agricultural production systems that are used to produce food and fiber. Organic farmers don’t use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, they rely on biological diversity in the field to naturally reduce habitat for pest organisms. Organic farmers also purposefully maintain and replenish the fertility of the soil. All kinds of agricultural products are produced organically, including produce, grains, meat, dairy, eggs, fibers such as cotton, flowers, and processed food products.

Essential characteristics of organic systems include:

• Design and implementation of an "organic system plan" that describes the practices used in producing crops and livestock products
• Detailed recordkeeping systems that track all products from the field to point of sale
• Maintenance of buffer zones to prevent inadvertent contamination by synthetic farm chemicals from adjacent conventional fields

Organic vs. Non-organic Produce
Organic produce: No Pesticides Grown with natural fertilizers (manure, compost). Weeds are controlled naturally (crop rotation, hand weeding, mulching, and tilling). Insects are controlled using natural methods (birds, good insects, traps).	Conventionally grown produce: Pesticides used Grown with synthetic or chemical fertilizers. Weeds are controlled with chemical herbicides. Insecticides are used to manage pests and disease.

Locally Grown Fruits and Vegetables

What is local food? Unlike organic standards, there is no specific definition. Generally local food means food that was grown close to home. This could be in your own garden, your local community, your state, your region or your country. During large portions of the year it is almost always possible to find food grown very close to home at places such as a farmer’s market.

Why people buy locally grown food:

• Financial benefits: Money stays within the community, and strengthens the local economy. More money goes directly to the farmer, instead of to things like marketing and distribution.
• Transportation issues: The average distance an American meal travels from the farm to your dinner plate is over 1500 miles. This uses a lot of fossil fuels and emits carbon dioxide into the air. In addition, produce must be picked while still unripe and then gassed to "ripen" it after transport. Or the food is highly processed in factories using preservatives, irradiation, and other means to keep it stable for transport and sale.
• Fresh produce: Local food is the freshest food you can purchase. Fruits and vegetables are harvested when they are ripe and thus full of flavor.

Small local farmers often use organic methods but sometimes cannot afford to become certified organic. Visit a farmer’s market and talk with the farmers. Find out how they produce the fruits and vegetables they sell. You can even ask for a farm tour.

Fruits and vegetables where the organic label matters the most
According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that analyzes the results of government pesticide testing in the U.S., the following 12 fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels on average. Because of their high pesticide levels when conventionally grown, it is best to buy these organic:
Apples Bell Peppers Carrots Celery Cherries Grapes (imported)	Kale Lettuce Nectarines Peaches Pears Strawberrie

Non-organic fruits and vegetables with low pesticide levels
These conventionally grown fruits and vegetables were found to have the lowest levels of pesticides. Most of these have thicker skin or peel, which naturally protects them better from pests, and which also means their production does not require the use of as many pesticides.
Asparagus Avocado Broccoli Cabbage Corn (sweet) Eggplant Kiwi Mango	Onion Papaya Pineapple Peas (sweet) Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Watermelon

Organic meat & dairy

Organic meat, dairy products, and eggs are produced from animals that are fed organic feed and allowed access to the outdoors. They must be kept in living conditions that accommodate the natural behavior of the animals. Ruminants must have access to pasture. Organic livestock and poultry may not be give antibiotics, hormones, or medications in the absence of illness; however, they may be vaccinated against disease. Parasiticide (a substance or agent used to destroy parasites) use is strictly regulated. Livestock diseases and parasites are controlled primarily through preventative measures such as rotational grazing, balanced diet, sanitary housing, and stress reduction.

Organic vs Conventional Meat and Dairy
These conventionally grown fruits and vegetables were found to have the lowest levels of pesticides. Most of these have thicker skin or peel, which naturally protects them better from pests, and which also means their production does not require the use of as many pesticides.
Organic meat and dairy: No antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides are given to animals Livestock are given all organic feed. Disease is prevented with natural methods such as clean housing, rotational grazing, and a healthy diet. Livestock must have access to the outdoors.	Conventionally raised meat and dairy: Typically given antibiotics, hormones & feed grown with pesticides Livestock are given growth hormones for faster growth. Antibiotics and medications are used to prevent livestock disease. Livestock may or may not have access to the outdoors.

Understanding organic food labels

What do the food labels such as “organic,” "natural," "free-range," and "non-GMO" really mean? Understanding this terminology is essential when you’re shopping for organic foods.

The most important point to remember is that "natural" does not equal organic. "Natural" is an unregulated term that can be applied by anyone. Only the "USDA Organic" label indicates that a food is certified organic.

USDA Certified Organic Food Labels

When you’re shopping for organic foods, look for the “USDA Organic” seal. Only foods that are 95 to 100 percent organic can use the USDA Organic label.

• 100% Organic – Foods that are completely organic or made with 100% organic ingredients. May display the USDA seal.
• Organic – Foods that contain at least 95% organic ingredients. May display the USDA seal.
• Made with organic ingredients – Foods that contain at least 70% organic ingredients. Will not display the USDA seal. May list specific organic ingredients on the front of the package.
• Contains organic ingredients – Foods that contain less than 70% organic ingredients. Will not display the USDA seal. May list specific organic ingredients on the information panel of the package.

Meat and dairy labels: other terms you need to know

The organic label is the most regulated term, but when it comes to meat, we often see many other terms used. In order to make informed choices, it is helpful to know what some of these terms mean.

• Natural – This label means “minimally processed” and that the meat can’t have any artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or any other artificial ingredients in it. Animals can still be given antibiotics or growth enhancers. For example, this term can be applied to all raw cuts of beef since they aren’t processed.
• Grass fed – This term means that the animals are fed solely on a diet of grass or hay. These animals have access to the outdoors. Cattle are naturally ruminants that eat grass, so they tend to be healthier and leaner when fed this way. In addition, grass fed beef has been shown to have more of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Free-range – This means that the animals weren’t confined to a cage and had access to the outdoors. Unfortunately, the animal density can still be very high and the animals may have only short periods outside in an area that’s quite small. It is difficult to tell exactly what free-range means when you see it on meat packaging. You can contact the producer directly for clarification.
• No Hormones added – This term is allowed when animals are raised without the use of any added growth hormones. For beef and dairy products it can be helpful, but by law, poultry and pigs cannot be given hormones, so don’t pay extra for chicken or pork products that use this label.

Tips for keeping the cost of organic food within your budget

Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally grown food. But if you set some priorities, it may be possible to purchase organic food and stay within your food budget. Purchase the organic versions of the foods you eat the most and are highest in pesticides.

Venture beyond the grocery store. Consider the following ideas for finding organic food:

• Shop at farmers' markets. Many cities, as well as small towns, host a weekly farmers' market, where local farmers bring their wares to an open-air street market and sell fresh produce direct to you. Often you will find items for less than you'd pay in the grocery store or supermarket. Bonus: it's a great opportunity to socialize and get to know like-minded people in your neighborhood who might want to join a CSA or start a buying club with you.
• Join a food co-op. Find out whether there is a natural foods co-op, also called a cooperative grocery store, in your area. Co-ops typically offer lower prices to members, who pay an annual fee to belong. However, you do not need to be a member to shop at a food co-op.
• Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, in which individuals and families join up to purchase "shares" of produce in bulk, directly from a local farm. Local and organic!

Organic food buying tips

• Buy in season – Fruits and vegetables are cheapest and freshest when they are in season. You can also find out when produce is delivered to your market. That way you know you're buying the freshest food possible.
• Shop around – Compare the price of organic items at the grocery store, the farmer’s market and any other venue (even the freezer aisle!). Purchase the most economical ones.
• Organic doesn’t equal healthy. Junk food can just as easily be made using organic ingredients. These products are usually still very high in sugar, salt, fat or calories.

Enjoying the benefit of fish without harmful side effects

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the healthfulness of seafood. There are health benefits such as being a good source of high-quality protein, low in saturated fat, good omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients. Yet common toxins such as mercury are found in fish. What does this mean? How much is okay? Which fish are safe?

Each year dangerous quantities of mercury are emitted into the air (industrial pollution). When it rains, this pollution goes into our lakes and oceans where it contaminates the fish and shellfish that live there. Seafood can contain harmful chemicals such as mercury, PCBs, chlordane, dioxins, and DDT. This is a problem because eating fish contaminated with mercury, a poison that interferes with the brain and nervous system, can cause serious health problems. The top predators, such as sharks, contain the highest levels of these contaminants. Nursing mothers, pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and young children have the highest risk, so are advised to avoid all large fish (Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, Tilefish, etc.).

In recent years there has been a huge decline in many species of fish, caused by unsustainable fishing and farming practices. This means that if changes are not made soon, many wild populations of fish may become extinct.

Wallet sized cards make fish choice safe and easy.

Seafood can be part of a healthy diet if you know what type of fish to choose. There are a number of downloadable seafood wallet-cards that are easy to print out and take with you to the store or a restaurant. These guides are updated often and contain the latest information on healthful and sustainable seafood choices.

• The Natural Resource Defense Counsel (NRDC) offers a downloadable walletcard, which lists the mercury levels in fish and offers recommendations for how often to eat those types of fish.
• The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers downloadable “Seafood Watch regional guides”. Their "Best Choices" are abundant, well managed and fished or farmed in environmentally friendly ways. Seafood to "Avoid" are overfished and/or fished or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment.

Related articles

Related links for organic foods

General information about organic food

Organic Foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? – Information on the difference between organic and conventional foods (MayoClinic.com)

Organic Foods Overview – Looks at the questions: What is organic? Why does organic food usually cost more? What do you need to know about organic food? (WebMD)

Organic FAQs – “Get Educated” a whole section on organics: What is Organic? Myths About Organic, 10 Reasons to Go Organic, and FAQs. (Organic.org)

The Truth about Organic Foods – A guide on how to make the healthiest choices for your family. (Redbook)

Eating Food That’s Better for You, Organic or Not – Information on how “Organic” doesn’t mean it’s better for you (New York Times)

USDA certified organic labels

Certified Organic Label Guide – Information on the significance and how to make sense of the USDA Organic label (Organic.org)

USDA Organic: Behind the Label – Information on how organic labeling works (Gaiam)

Organic Labeling and Marketing Information (PDF) – (USDA, National Organic Program)

Is organic food more nutritious?

Study: Organic food not more nutritional – a new study finds organic foods are not necessarily more nutritious. (CNN)

Organic or Not? – Is organic produce healthier than conventional? Find out where to spend and where to save for your health. (EatingWell)

Benefits of organic food

Is organic food safer to eat? – For the most part yes  (USDA)

Does it pay to buy organic? – For pregnant women and children, the benefits are worth the higher price (Business Week)

Benefits of Organic – Information on various topics related to the benefits of organics (Organic Trade Association)

Germany to ban cultivation of Monsanto GMO maize – information about the conflict over GMOs. (Reuters)

Local food

Why Eat Local? – Information on eating locally (100 Mile Diet)

How Far Does Your Food Travel to get to Your Plate? – Information on the distance food travels (CUESA)

Meat labels

A Brief Guide to Meat and Dairy Labels and Their Relevance to Animal Welfare (The Humane Society of the United States)

Meat, dairy, and eggs buying guide – Information on how to choose what type to purchase (Consumer Reports Greener Choices)

A Literature Review of the Value-Added Nutrients found in Grass-fed Beef Products – Very detailed information on a study of grass fed beef. (California State University, Chico)

Organic food buying tips

Shopper's Guide to Pesticides (PDF) – List of the produce with the highest and lowest pesticide levels. (Environmental Working Group)

Eat Well Guide – Find local, organic, sustainable food from farms, markets, restaurants and more

Local Harvest – Find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area

Seasonal Food Guide – Find out what produce is in season in your area (Eat Well Guide)

How to Eat Organic Foods on a Budget (WebMD)

How to Be a Budget Organic – article with a number of practical ideas for shopping for organics on a budget (Prevention)

Fish

Seafood Selector Health Alerts – Chart on which types of fish are safe to eat and how often per month (Environmental Defense Fund)

Seafood Watch – Downloadable seafood guides and information on environmental issues (Monterey Bay Aquarium)

US EPA Fish Advisories – Local and national fish consumption advisories (Environmental Protection Agency)

Mercury Contamination In Fish – information on mercury, its effects, where it’s coming from and what to do to protect yourself (Natural Resources Defense Council)

'Only 50 years left' for sea fish – Article on the depletion of fish species

Maya W. Paul, Melinda Smith, M.A., Gina Kemp, M.A., and Robert Segal, M.A. contributed to this article. Last modified on: June 2009