There are many labels to choose from when buying chicken, from organic and free-range to pasture raised. It's important to understand what these terms really mean.
The "organic" label means the chicken has been raised without antibiotics, fed an organic diet and has access to outdoor space (although this time and area requirement is not legally defined). This also helps reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella.
Better Nutrition
With a growing concern over antibiotic-resistant bacteria, many consumers are choosing organic options to help combat the problem. But if you are spending a few extra dollars on organic chicken, it’s important to understand that the label doesn’t necessarily mean that your bird is free-range or raised in a more humane manner than its non-organic counterparts.
In reality, a chicken bearing the organic label must meet only limited standards set by the Department of Agriculture. According to a Costco spokesperson, organic chickens must be raised in less crowded conditions than their conventionally raised counterparts and be provided with access to outdoor areas.
While these conditions are certainly better for the chickens, they don’t address issues such as animal welfare or treatment. In fact, the USDA’s own organic advisory board has indicated that the current poultry standards are “inadequate.”
Better Health
As consumers become more aware of where their food comes from and how it is raised, organic options are increasing in popularity. One of the most common choices is organic chicken. However, many consumers are confused as to whether or not it is worth the extra cost.
To meet the organic standards, chicken must be raised without antibiotics or hormones and fed an organic diet. This includes feed made from organic grains, legumes and fruits grown with organic fertilizers. Organic chicken is not allowed to be fed meat by-products, poultry slaughter by-products, plastics or human waste.
Studies show that organic chicken is a healthy choice for consumers, containing more vitamins and minerals than its conventional counterpart. Additionally, it contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids which promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Choosing organic chicken will also help to prevent harmful bacteria from making its way into your body and causing illness. Despite these benefits, not all organic chicken is created equal.
Better for the Environment
With concerns about tainted meat and the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, many consumers are turning to organic chicken as a safer and more ethical choice. Organic chicken is free from hormones and raised in a way that takes the sustainability of the environment into account. But is it worth the extra cost?
Unfortunately, the “organic” label in the grocery store does not always mean what you think it means. While some may be organic, others are simply fed an organic diet and given access to the outdoors. And that doesn’t even guarantee the best quality of life for the chickens; they can still experience the same inhumane conditions and transportation practices that plague other factory farms.
Despite this, organic chicken is still better for the animals. Organic chickens have access to the outdoors, a natural diet and aren’t subjected to hormones that can lead to unhealthy growth and illness in humans. When choosing between organic and conventional chicken, a little research will help you determine which option is right for you.
Better for the Animals
If you choose organic chicken, you can be confident that the bird was raised humanely. The organic label requires that farmers don’t use growth hormones, antibiotics or poultry slaughter by-products in their feed and chickens can’t be raised in cages. They also must have access to the outdoors and be kept in hygienic facilities.
This is a much stricter standard than those of other labels, such as all-natural or free-range. In fact, the term free-range is essentially meaningless, as there are no standards or governing bodies to ensure that a farm can claim this designation.
The organic farming system is more sustainable than conventional methods because it prioritizes soil health and uses natural pest control and fertilizers. Additionally, there are rules governing how chickens can be handled to reduce stress, which is particularly important for the welfare of the animals. This includes using gentle catching techniques and capturing them at night, when they are calmest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between organic food and inorganic?
Organic food does not contain pesticides, chemical fertilisers, sewage waste, irradiation, genetic modification. Organic farming practices improve soil health and water quality as well as animal welfare.
Inorganic food is grown with pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Radiated foods are those that have been exposed to radiation. Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are created using biological engineering techniques.
The term "natural" is often used interchangeably with "organic." But natural does not necessarily imply organic. Some products labeled "natural" may also contain synthetic ingredients.
Organic produce is more nutritious than traditional produce due to the fact that it contains less harmful chemicals and pesticides. Organic farmers do not use pesticides, artificial fertilizers, hormones, anti-biotics, and other harmful chemicals.
Why is organic food important
For our health, organic produce is crucial. It's the best method to ensure you eat healthy foods. It's not only better for us but also it's more sustainable as it doesn't rely upon pesticides and fertilers.
Organic farming uses natural methods for growing crops without using harmful chemicals. This results in fewer environmental pollutants and makes organic farming safer. You are helping the planet and yourself by choosing organic food.
But organic food offers more than just health benefits. We all know how unhealthy processed foods can make us feel. Did you know that organic fruits and veggies aren't subject to chemical spray? It means that organic fruits, vegetables and other foods are fresher tasting, more vibrant and last longer.
That's why eating organic matters so much. Because it's not only healthy for you, it's healthier for the world.
Is organic food better for us?
The Environmental Working Group's most recent report on pesticide residues found in food shows that organic fruits and veggies had almost half the pesticide content of non-organic. Organic apples had eight times less pesticides than nonorganic apples. However, organic strawberries had four times the amount of pesticides as their conventional counterparts.
Some studies also suggest that eating organic food helps reduce your exposure to toxic metals, such as mercury and lead. For example, one study showed that children who ate organic meat had 33 percent lower blood lead levels than those who didn't consume organic meats. Another study concluded that pregnant women should avoid consuming conventional fish due to high levels of mercury.
Organic food seems to be safer than the non-organic. Experts recommend that you choose fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible to lower your chance of developing cancer or other diseases.
How do I find out if my produce's organic?
These three labels are essential if you want to be certain that you are purchasing organic produce.
USDA Organic Certified - Produce certified by the USDA as being 100% organic.
Certified Naturally Grown - Produce that has passed strict requirements for organic practices but has not yet received certification from the USDA.
Pastured/Freerange - Products made from animals who graze freely and are outdoors.
These labels indicate whether the product meets certain criteria.
- No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
- No genetically modified organisms
- Animals are never given antibiotics
- No hormones are ever given to the animal
- No growth-promoting drug
- No feed additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No irradiation
- There is no sewage sludge
- No GMOs
- There have never been any antibiotics given.
- No hormones ever given
- No growth-promoting medications
- No feed-additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No sewage effluent (if it isn't a GMO).
- No irradiation
I hope you found this article helpful.
Which organic products are most in demand?
Today organic food is the fastest-growing sector. We've come far from our roots but there is still room for improvement.
Organic products are the future. They are safer, healthier for the environment, and easier to afford for consumers.
But they tend to be more expensive. This is why we created the Organic Food Index. We wanted to find out which foods are most popular with shoppers today, and whether these trends are changing.
The results show that organic food is becoming increasingly popular. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of Americans who shop for organic food increased by almost 50%.
The USDA reported that organic production rose by 10% in the last year. 9% now comes from organic foods in the United States.
Organic food is definitely on the rise, but it still seems expensive for consumers. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), average retail prices for organic food are almost double those of conventional alternatives.
Organic food is growing faster that any other sector of the food industry. You'll notice that organic food consumption has increased steadily since 2009.
According to OTA however, the volume in supermarkets of organic products grew by 14% from 2010 to 2011.
This increase is due to consumers' demand for healthier foods. It is why organic food sales are growing across all ages.
However, the younger generation is leading the charge in choosing organic food. Millennials are twice as likely than baby boomers to buy organic foods. The 25% of organic food purchase made by younger adults below 35 are made up of young adults.
Statistics
- Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Cosmetic brands such as Laurel and Rose Mira are 100 percent organic and have a wide array of skincare products. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)
- When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
External Links
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- Evaluation of the micronutrient composition of plant foods produced by organic and conventional agricultural methods - PubMed
- Comparison of the total phenolic and ascorbic acid content of freeze-dried and air-dried marionberry, strawberry, and corn grown using conventional, organic, and sustainable agricultural practices - PubMed
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- Organic Industry Survey
- U.S. sales of organic products soared to new heights, reaching nearly $62Billion in 2020
How To
What you need to know about organic foods
Organic foods are those that come from plants or animals, and do not contain any chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or additives. They are not subject to genetic engineering or the use of ionizing radioactive radiation. It must not contain any artificial colours, flavour enhancers, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. It should not contain genetically modified animals (GMOs).
The term "organic", as it is commonly known, was first used by Justus von Loig in 1845. He coined the phrase "organisch", which means life-giving, to describe manure's properties. Most people associate organic with food production. Organic is a product that contains only naturally occurring substances, such a proteins, fats, or minerals.
The global consumption of organic products has increased dramatically over the past decade. Recent statistics indicate that approximately half of the world’s population eats at least one organic food per day. This percentage is increasing and will reach 70%, 80% and 90% by 2020.
Organic products are preferred for many reasons. Organic products are preferred by many people for their taste and health. Some also prefer organic produce because of the higher quality. Others believe that organic farming is more sustainable. However, there are also ethical concerns regarding the treatment of farm workers and animals, which is why some consumers opt for non-organic products.
Organic foods are usually more expensive than conventional ones, although prices vary depending on countries and regions. Organic food prices are affected by many factors. The availability of suitable land for organic agriculture is one factor. The cost of inputs and labor required for organic cultivation is another factor. Transportation costs, marketing expenses, and taxes are all factors. The average price of organic food in Europe is 10% less than regular.
These are the main differences in organic and conventional food.
- Organic produce is naturally free of synthetic fertilizers and growth regulators as well as hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals.
- Organic livestock is fed grasses & grains, not corn and soybean meal.
- Organic milk comes from cows that eat an all-natural diet of hay and pasture grasses.
- All organic raw materials are certified organic.
- Organic fruits and veggies are grown and processed without pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- Organic meat, poultry, and seafood do not undergo radiation.
- Before using raw nuts or seeds, they must be soaked.
- Organic cooking only uses healthy oils.
- Organic eggs were laid by hens. They can also be used in outdoor areas.
- Honey is extracted using traditional methods by bees.
- Organic chocolate is made from beans and sugar that have been grown organically and then processed.
- Organic wines do not contain any chemical additives.
- The tea leaves of organic tea come from tea plants that have been hand picked.
- Organic cotton is grown without any form of pesticide or herbicide.
- Organic flours and cereals do not contain artificial colours or preservatives.
- All-natural shampoos and soaps don't contain harsh chemicals.
- All-natural cosmetics have no side effects on the skin.
- All natural cleaning solutions are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- All natural bodycare products are dermatologically tested for hypoallergenicity.
- All-natural personal care products are non-fragranced and safe for babies.
- The all-natural baby formulation does not contain bovine serum nor animal rennet.
Resources:
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