Organic foods are produced without using synthetic fertilizers, GMOs, sewage sludge, most conventional pesticides or ionizing radiation – and should bear the USDA organic seal as proof that they meet federal requirements.
For help in making an informed choice when it comes to organics, we have provided this breakdown. It should help give an overview of what organic products entail.
The Definition
Organic food is grown using techniques that don’t use chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, such as rotating crops to replenish nutrients in soil. Furthermore, organic livestock are raised without using antibiotics or growth hormones.
Non-food items, like lotions, soaps and textiles can also qualify as organic. In order to qualify for organic certification, ingredients must have been certified to the National Organic Standards.
Manufacturers must not only ensure that their product satisfies organic standards, but must also provide an ingredient list and percentage of organic ingredients on an information panel. Multi-ingredient products must contain at least 70 percent certified-organic ingredients in order to display the USDA organic seal; the remaining 30 percent may come from nonorganic sources but must adhere to certain restrictions such as avoiding synthetic substances and processing aids such as leavening agents. The National Organic Standards Board reviews each substance to determine whether or not it can remain on their approved list of allowed additives.
The Benefits
Organic products are preferred by many consumers because they believe them to be more nutritious and safer than conventional counterparts, providing higher concentrations of specific vitamins such as Vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorous and less risk from pesticide contamination. Furthermore, organic farming promotes more humane treatment of animals as well as environmental sustainability.
Food and agricultural products produced or processed according to strict legal standards governed by independent experts are only considered organic. Organic production bans synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation as well as any use of genetically modified organisms, artificial additives, leavening agents or processing aids like ammonium carbonate or potassium carbonate – among many other restrictions.
Organic packaged food only may contain a select few synthetic ingredients approved by an official National List. Organic producers must limit exposure of workers and their families to pesticides and other chemicals by adhering to safe practices on farms, washing produce according to CR guidelines, and wearing protective clothing when handling or transporting fruits and vegetables.
The Cost
Organic foods are produced according to stringent standards that must be abided by. But this comes at a price: labor and production costs tend to be higher for organics compared with conventional ones, as are postharvest handling and distribution expenses; yield is often lower as well.
Some farmers choose to farm organically without labeling their products as such; others adopt organic practices but cannot afford the USDA certification fee of up to $4,000. Instead, these producers may use labels such as “naturally grown” or “regenerative,” though these claims are unregulated by federal authorities.
Price differences between organic and nonorganic food can be particularly large for staples like iceberg lettuce, where it can reach as much as 179.3%, according to research conducted by LendingTree. On average, organic fruits and vegetables cost 52.6% more than their nonorganic counterparts.
The Downsides
Organic food may be better for our environment and bodies alike, yet their higher price can make healthy meal options harder for some to afford.
Organically produced food has long been recognized for containing higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than its conventionally produced counterpart. Studies have also revealed that organic produce contains lower pesticide residue levels while organic meat has less exposure to antibiotics and growth hormones.
Although organic products may contain more nutrition, many processed organic foods still contain excessive sugar, salt and fat content – these processed organic foods should be consumed with caution to maintain a balanced diet.
