09 Jan 2006
Going organic: When is it worth it?

According to this study by Consumer Reports

Certain fruits and vegetables grown using chemicals, which is how most food is produced, were found to contain high levels of pesticides, even after washing, according to Department of Agriculture data cited in the study.

They include apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, spinach and strawberries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, and red raspberries.

Meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products can also contain antibiotics and heavy metals such as arsenic that are used to promote growth in animals, said Urvashi Rangan, one of the report's authors.

all of which is probably true. But the study goes on to claim that

Other labels, like "free range" or "all natural" were found to be meaningless.

Unfortunately, I must confess that it's probably right on this point as well, even though I label my meat and poultry products as "free range" and "grass fed". But the real upshot is that the organic label is just as meaningless.

Best advice: buy as much as possible directly from a local farmer you know and trust, preferably one who'll let you observe his operations and decide for yourself. Education will always trump marketing - it just takes more work.

If you've ever wanted to buy more organic food but didn't want to take out a second mortgage to do so, a new report can help stretch your health-conscious dollar further.

(link) [CNN.com]

00:00 /Agriculture | 1 comment | permanent link