Is organic healthier? Study says not so much, but it’s key reason consumers buy
Still, some studies have suggested that even small pesticide exposures might be risky for some children, and the Organic Trade Association said the Stanford work confirms that organics can help consumers lower their exposure.
CSPI’s DeWaal noted that difference, but added that the issue is more complicated. Some fruits and vegetables can harbor more pesticide residue than others - she listed peaches from Chile as topping a recent testing list. Overall levels have dropped in North American produce over the last decade as farms implemented some new standards addressing child concerns, she said.
“Parents with young children should consider where their produce is coming from,” DeWaal said, calling types grown in the U.S. or Canada “a safer bet” for lower pesticide levels.
In general, organic food consumers, manufactuers and farmers strongly believe in organic food having following benefits over non organic food:
Better health: Since organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it does not contain any traces of these strong chemicals and might not affect the human body.
Better taste: People strongly believe that organic food tastes better than non organic food. The prominent reason for this belief is that it is produced using organic means of production. Further organic food is often sold locally resulting in availability of fresh produce in the market.
Environment safety: As harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, there is minimal soil, air and water pollution; thus ensuring a safe world for future generations to live in.
Animal welfare: Animal welfare is an important aspect of producing organic milk, organic meat, organic poultry, and organic fish. People feel happy that the animals are not confined to a miserable caged life while eating organic animal products.
As for antibiotics, some farms that aren’t certified organic have begun selling antibiotic-free meat or hormone-free milk, to address specific consumer demands, noted Bravata. Her own preference is to buy from local farmers in hopes of getting the ripest produce with the least handling.
That kind of mixed approach was evident in a market in the nation’s capital Thursday, where Liz Pardue of Washington said she buys organic “partially for environmental reasons.” Pardue said she doesn’t go out of her way to shop organic, but if she does, it’s to buy mostly things that are hard to wash like berries and lettuce.
Michelle Dent of Oxon Hill, Md., said she buys most of her groceries from regular chain stores but gets her fruit from organic markets: “It’s fresh; you can really taste it.”
Is organic the only option?
No. Many farmers who are not certified organic are doing good things on their land to reduce environmental impacts. But the organic certification gives consumers a powerful tool for finding those with verified best practices, particularly related to chemical inputs and soil health.
Other legitimate certifications focus on other attributes of sustainability, such as fair working practices, water and habitat management, and humane livestock practices. Visit Consumer Reports for a guide to the most meaningful types of certification.
Anna Hamadyk of Washington said she buys only organic milk because she has a young son.
“I would love to buy everything organic, but it’s just too much money,” said Hamadyk, who also shops at local farmers markets.
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Associated Press writer Stacy A. Anderson contributed to this report.
Associated Press