Organic Foods: What to Know

You may have noticed an ever-growing organic produce section in your local supermarket, and more organic eggs, milk and meat options to choose from. The reason for that? Consumer demand. People are increasingly concerned about where their food comes, what they’re putting into their bodies, and the impact that certain food production practices are having on the environment. But what is organic food anyway? And why are people shelling out so much money to buy it when they’ve got cheaper conventional food options? Let’s dig in.

What is organic?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic agriculture as “products using methods that preserve the environment and avoid most synthetic materials, such as pesticides and antibiotics.” In order for producers of packaged foods, crops or meat to call their products organic, they have to abide by a set of standards to become certified, which cover the areas of “soil and water quality, pest control, livestock practices and rules for food additives,” according to the USDA. They are also subject to product testing, and onsite inspections to ensure animal health and welfare, and that natural resources and biodiversity are being preserved—all of which translates into higher prices at the grocery store.

Conventionally produced foods, on the other hand, have far less restrictions and use synthetic pesticides that ultimately kill vital living organisms including pollinators like bees and butterflies, pollute the air and poison water systems. If pesticides used to grow our food can do that, what can they do to the health of humans over time? Of babies and growing children? And while these are some of the important questions many scientists, and social and environmentally conscious groups are asking, the USDA’s 2014 Pesticide Data Program summary revealed that “overall, pesticide residues found on foods tested are at levels below the tolerances set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and do not pose risk to consumers’ health.” 

Is it important to choose organic foods?

A 2012 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics also downplayed the importance of choosing organic, pointing to the lack of reliable research and highlighting the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables—no matter how they’re grown. The study also, however, stated that “Organic diets have been convincingly demonstrated to expose consumers to fewer pesticides associated with human disease,” and recommends that pediatricians refer concerned parents to the Environmental Working Group’s “Shoppers Guide to Pesticides.”

What foods to buy organic

So while it’s clear this debate won’t be settled anytime soon, hopefully more data will come out giving us more information to make healthy choices upon. In the meantime, here are a few of the fruits and veggies that have been found to have elevated pesticide residue levels over the years, and thus may be good options to go organic with:

• Apples
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Carrots
• Strawberries
• Green Beans
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Grapes