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Is there really that much of a difference between organic produce and veggies that are conventionally grown?
This is a common question going through the minds of consumers as they walk through the grocery aisles. The price of organic broccoli versus conventional broccoli could be a difference of over $1. Or more. Depending on your region.
How important is the standard when it comes to health and safety?
The answer is complicated. As you would expect.
A recent study analyzed the nutritional aspects of organic produce and their conventional counterparts to identify if, other than potential pesticide impact, there is a difference between the two options.
Beyond that, there are some produce that you should always get organic, if you have the availability and means to do so. There are other products, however, that the risk is more minimal and conventional may be a suitable option.
But first, what exactly is the difference between organic and conventional?
When produce is labeled “organic” it describes a specific method of farming. One that is highly regulated to legally bear those seven letters.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the word “organic” describes the methods farmers use to grow and process agricultural products.
These include aspects to improve soil and water quality, cut pollution, and promote a self-sustaining cycle of resources on a farm. Among other key attributes.
What most people think about when they hear “organic” is not what they do. But what they don’t do.
Certain materials and methods are not allowed in organic farming.
Things like:
Instead, an organic farmer may opt to leave plant waste on the field as a type of green manure or use manure or compost from farm animals to improve soil quality. They may use cover crops or employ crop rotation practices to maintain water and pest control. Some use other insects or even insect traps to control pests. There is also a very narrow category of natural and synthetic pesticides approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) than be used if coordinated with an organic certifying agent.
Brazilian scientists recently published a paper titled, “Are Organics More Nutritious Than Conventional Foods? A Comprehensive Systematic Review.”
The results of this research were somewhat surprising.
According to the study, 75% of organic fruits and 73% of organic vegetables contained more micronutrients than their conventionally grown counterparts!
75% of organic fruits and 73% of organic vegetables contained more micronutrients than conventional
So, there IS a difference.
But how much of a difference?
The findings indicated that organically grown produce had higher levels of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Conventional produce actually had significantly higher levels of manganese though.
Other micronutrient differences weren’t too far off though. The study described it as “nominal,” in that there are differences but not extreme differences.
There were small to moderate increases in certain antioxidants and types of flavonoids (which provide antioxidant properties). So, if those are important to you, then choosing organic is important.
Since there are some (but not a lot of) differences between conventional and organic produce when it comes to nutritional differences, a consumer may pick and choose which foods to get organic and which ones they can save money on and opt for conventional.
A good rule of thumb is to refer to the “dirty dozen.” Also known as the 12 foods with the highest pesticide residues.
This list is formulated because some foods are more heavily associated with pesticides. Other foods are on the list because they hold onto pesticides more than others.
The dirty dozen includes:
So if you have to choose, select organic for these foods instead.
The term “organic” is highly regulated in the United States.
To bear an official USDA Organic Seal or include the word “organic” on the product description or packaging must meet certain standards and an approval/certification process. But even within those guidelines, you may have noticed other variations of the word.
For example, something may say 100% organic. Made with organic. Organic ingredients. Or simply organic.
But what do they mean.
This item can bear the USDA Organic seal. It means that all ingredients are certified organic (except for salt and water).
This item can also bear the USDA Organic seal, but it is only required to have 95% of ingredients certified organic (except for salt and water). The other 5% must be listed on a USDA list of “approved additional ingredients.”
This item cannot bear the USDA Organic seal. Something indicating “made with organic” ingredients must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients. The ingredients list must indicate which items are organic. Sometimes denoted with an asterisk.
This item also cannot use the USDA Organic seal. It may contain some organic ingredients. But the amount doesn’t meet the 70% threshold.
How important is choosing organic ingredients in your household? Do you select organic produce for nutritional benefits? To reduce pesticides? Or some other reason?
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Is Organic Produce Actually Better For You?,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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