Say Yes to GMO-Free Food With Organic Choices

The organic label is often seen on grocery store products. The term organic refers to food and beverages that are grown or processed using natural methods.

These include natural fertilizers and avoidance of chemical herbicides such as glyphosate. GMO foods and herbicides can cause numerous health issues. These include body allergies, digestive issues and a host of other concerns.

Avoiding Genetically Modified Organisms

The Food and Drug Administration says that genetically modified organisms are safe, but many experts disagree. Even the American Medical Association (AMA) recently endorsed mandatory pre-market safety testing for GMO foods and ingredients, but the group still opposes labeling requirements. To avoid GMOs, look for organic meat, eggs and dairy products — especially 100% grass-fed varieties. Choose whole grains, legumes and nuts that are certified non-GMO by a third-party certifier like NSF International or A Greener World. Skip conventional sugar, which comes mostly from GMO sugar beets, and instead opt for unprocessed, organic sugar or evaporated cane juice.

Because pollen and seeds from GM crops can travel through the environment on wind or wildlife, they could contaminate non-GMO products. Herbicides sprayed on GM crops can also pollute the soil and water, and kill vegetation that animals and birds eat for food. These issues are major reasons why people seek out organic food, as well as an ethical concern about supporting companies that use GM crops.

Avoiding Pesticide Residues

GMOs are safe to eat, and the leading health and food regulatory agencies worldwide have concluded that there’s no evidence of harm to people who eat them. But if you want to avoid any potential residues from pesticides, it’s best to choose organic foods for produce.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a list each year called the “Dirty Dozen” with conventionally grown fruits and vegetables most likely to have high levels of pesticide residue. EWG recommends avoiding those items and saving your organic dollars for the foods that have lower levels of residue, such as avocados, asparagus, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, mangoes, onions, sweet corn and watermelon.

EWG’s Clean Fifteen list also contains some items with low pesticide residue. If you’re not able to afford all organic, try to avoid conventional products with sugar, as most of it is produced from genetically modified sugar beets. Also avoid meat and dairy from animals fed with GMO alfalfa and corn.

Avoiding Genetically Modified Foods

Many consumers want to avoid genetically modified foods because of uncertainty about their safety. However, the FDA has determined that GMO foods are safe to eat. The issue is not about whether or not to eat GMO foods, but rather about how comfortable you feel with them being part of your diet.

Those who are concerned about consuming GMO foods can opt for organic food. Organic foods are not allowed to contain genetically engineered seeds, plants or animals. Choose organic versions of such staples as cornstarch, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil and sugar. Also, select organic versions of such fresh produce as zucchini, yellow crookneck squash and Hawaiian papaya. And choose meat and dairy from humanely raised livestock that eats only grass or organic grains, instead of the conventional corn, soy, cottonseed and alfalfa feed that commercial cows are fed.

Some anti-GMO critics cling to the conspiracy theory that scientists are "playing God" by fiddling with Nature. But this view is just hogwash.

Avoiding Genetically Modified Ingredients

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are foods with genes inserted into them from viruses or bacteria. The goal is to improve the food in some way, usually by making it larger or sweeter or resistant to pests.

Most conventional processed foods contain genetically engineered ingredients, including cornstarch, soybean oil, cottonseed oil and canola oil. Look for organic versions of these products, as well as non-GMO canola oil and pure olive, coconut, sesame, sunflower or safflower oils. Organic milk and dairy products are not injected with the recombinant bovine growth hormone rBGH, which is a genetically modified organism.

Despite a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences reassuring consumers that long-term consumption of GMOs poses no risk to human health, some anti-GMO critics still insist that scientists are "playing God" and fiddling with nature. Many believe that genetically engineered crops require heavy spraying with toxic chemicals, contaminating soil and water and posing dangers for farm workers and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is organic food?

Organic food is made without pesticides or artificial fertilizers. These chemicals can be harmful for your health.

Organic food is produced naturally and without any harmful substances, such as chemical fertilizers or pesticides. These chemicals may cause damage to animals as well as humans.

Inorganic food is meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, including butter, yogurts honey, yogurts, butter, cream, cheese, butter, yogurts, honey and grains.

Organic refers the way an agricultural product grows. Organic farming employs natural methods and soil amendments for growing crops. Conventional agriculture uses pesticides or fertilizers.

Organic foods must comply with strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the National Organic Program Standards, all certified organic food must be free from prohibited materials such as antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and industrial solvents. Organic food must also be free from toxic chemicals, petroleum based fertilizers, sewage effluents and ionizing radiation.

What are the best organic vegetables for you?

Organic vegetables are the healthiest and most nutritious foods available to humans. They are the healthiest of all foods.

Organic produce is organically grown without pesticides. These chemicals can pose serious risks to our environment and health.

Organic produce also contains more nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, enzymes, fibre, and essential fatty acids. This makes them more healthy because organic produce absorbs nutrients better.

Not only do organic vegetables taste delicious, but they are also safe to eat. Organic produce is free from known side effects.

Any grocery store can sell organic fruits and vegetables. As long as they are produced according to USDA guidelines (which means they meet the standards set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture), they are labelled "organic." If you cannot find organic produce at your local grocery store, check out online retailers such as Amazon or Walmart.

What is organic meat?

Organic meat means real food, grown without artificial fertilizers or pesticides. Organic meat also indicates that animals were not fed genetically modified food. Because there are no harmful chemicals in the meat, it is safe for human consumption.

Organic meats are also healthier for the environment. We reduce the amount of pollution in our rivers, lakes, and landfills by eating organic food. We can also help wildlife by eating organic foods. Organic farmers do not often use toxic chemicals that can kill birds or insects.

It is best to buy organic meats locally as much as possible. Buying local helps keep more money circulating within the community rather than going out of state. Local businesses often pass savings on to customers who shop locally. Shopping locally keeps American jobs in America, rather than sending them abroad.

What are organic beauty items?

Organic Beauty Products are natural products without synthetic chemicals such as petroleum, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and artificial preservatives. These ingredients are found in most conventional beauty products, including cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, etc.

Organic beauty products do not require animal testing and are free of genetically modified organisms (GMO).

The USDA defines organic production as "a system of production which fosters the cycle of resources" and it has been used since decades to refer to foods grown without pesticides.

The harmful effects of chemical compounds on our bodies have led to an increase in the demand for ecofriendly beauty products.

These include allergies, cancer, skin irritation, hormonal imbalance, early aging, and skin irritation.

Organic beauty companies are committed to creating healthy and safe products for consumers while protecting the environment.

How can I determine if my produce was organic?

These three labels can help you make sure you're buying organic produce.

USDA Organic Certified – Produced by USDA and certified as 100% organic.

Certified Naturally Grown is produce that has met strict organic requirements but not yet been certified by the USDA.

Pastured/Free Range – Produced from animals that live outdoors and graze on grasses or herbs.

These labels indicate that the product meets specific criteria, which include:

• No pesticides nor synthetic fertilizers
• No genetically modified organisms
• Animals are never given antibiotics
• Animals are not ever given hormones.
• No growth-promoting drugs
• No feed additives
• No artificial ingredients
• No irradiation
• There is no sewage sludge
• GMOs prohibited
• No antibiotics ever given
• No hormones ever given
• No growth-promoting drugs
• No feed-additives
• No artificial ingredients
• No sewage effluent (if it isn't a GMO).
• No irradiation

I hope you found this article helpful.

Is organic meat healthier?

This question is probably answered if you've been paying close attention. Here's the problem: Organic food is becoming more sought-after, while traditional food continues to decline in popularity.

The reason why organic foods continue to rise in popularity is that they are healthier for us. Organic foods are also safer for our overall health and reduce pollution.

However, this coin has two sides. Organic produce takes more time to grow and requires greater resources. This means that organic food costs more money than its non-organic counterpart.

Organic meats can be more expensive that those from conventionally raised animals. However, it is possible to reduce costs without compromising on quality.

Buy local to save money. Buy locally grown vegetables and fruits to help keep prices low. Farmers receive incentives to grow healthier crops.

Another way to cut costs is to look for deals. Many organic products can be purchased at a discount.

You can also save money by eating less meat. Feeding livestock can be very expensive.

There are many reasons organic foods are better for our bodies and the environment, but we need to be mindful of the cost.

Statistics

• According to a study performed by consumerreports.org, organic products, compared to non-organic products, ranged anywhere from 13 percent cheaper to 303 percent more expensive. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Once certified by the USDA, it can fall into one of four categories: "100 percent organic", "organic," "made with organic ingredients," or "made with less than 70 percent organic ingredients. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)
• As for organic meat, regulations require that animals be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones. (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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• Home


• Agricultural Marketing Service

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• A Review of Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health: Cancer Risk and Occupational Pesticide Expositions: Part B: Vol 15, Number 4


• Genetically modified food: safety, risk and public concerns - a review - Journal of Food Science and Technology

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• Organic food and impact on human health: Assessing the status quo and prospects of research - ScienceDirect


• Technical note: Simultaneous analysis of vitamin and carotenoid content in milk from cows fed total mixed rations. Xanthophyll detection is possible - ScienceDirect

How To

Organic foods: Are they safer and more nutritious?

Organic foods are grown without the use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. They are grown in natural conditions and without the use of any artificial inputs like fungicides or herbicides. Organic farming practices include crop rotation and cover crops, the composting of animal manure, the recycling of wastewater, as well as integrated pest management (IPM).

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) was established in 2002 to regulate the production, handling, processing, labelling, sale, and distribution of organic products sold in the United States. The NOP regulations ensure that organic agricultural products are produced according to federal standards outlined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Furthermore, the NOP rules require organic products to be free of banned substances such as pesticides residues and growth hormones.

In the U.S., there are two types of certification programs available for producers who want their products labelled "organic": one for farmers and ranchers and another for manufacturers. Both programs require an annual audit of the operations in order to confirm compliance with stringent standards. There are several certifying organizations that offer these services. These include the CCOF Certified Organic Farmers & Ranchers as well as Quality Assurance International and the American Grassfed Association. The three organizations all provide verification by third parties that farms have followed strict guidelines for environmental stewardship as well as labour practices and the care of livestock.

The USDA's Economic Research Service estimates that organic agriculture was responsible for $4.7 billion of 2013 sales. Retail spending on certified organic products reached nearly $1.5 Billion in 2013. This is a 23 per cent increase from 2009. During this time, grocery store sales increased by 12 percent. Spending directly on organic produce grew by 29 percent while that on meat, poultry, eggs and seafood only grew by 1 percent.

Organic food is more expensive but the quality of organic food is worth it. According to a 2015 survey conducted by Consumer Reports, 88 percent of respondents said they would pay more for organic food if it meant higher nutritional value. Health Affairs also reported that organic food intake is associated with fewer health problems, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

While there is no evidence that organic food can prevent or treat any diseases, there are some studies suggesting that eating them may improve your overall health by reducing your exposure to pesticides and other contaminants. One example is the conclusion reached by a review of 31 studies, published in 2010, that organically reared beef was significantly less toxic than conventionally-raised beef. A separate analysis of 11 studies published in 2012 reached similar conclusions.

The Environmental Working Group produced a 2014 report that compared organic and non-organic chickens, pork, beef and lamb. The Environmental Working Group also found that E.coli O157 has been associated with fewer human illnesses in children and adults since 2006, when USDA began requiring stricter organic standards for animal production.

Resources:

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