What You Should Know About Organic Foods

Article Outline

• Benefits of Organic Farming to the Environment
• Benefits of Organic Farming to the Farmer
• Benefits of Organic Farming to the Consumer
• References
• Copyright

ACCORDING TO Webster's Dictionary, “organic” is defined as relating to or belonging to the class of chemical compounds with a carbon basis.¹ Using organic foods may be a healthier choice because neither hormones nor drugs are used to stimulate growth in animals.² Nonsynthetic pesticides and fertilizers used on organic crops reduce the risk of contamination to soil and water sources.³, ⁴ As multiple food-safety issues continue to surround our food supply, the knowledge of organic foods will enhance our profession.

The USDA, which regulates organic foods, does not claim that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than traditionally produced foods. However, risks have been identified with exposure to some pesticides.⁴ These risks involve certain types of cancer, birth defects, premature births, insulin resistance, and type 2 and gestational diabetes.⁵ The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reviewed multiple studies, and found that organic crops usually contained more vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, and significantly fewer nitrates, than conventional crops.⁵ We are learning that organic crops provide a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals, and may have increased nutrient content. Studies that were completed in Europe showed increased levels of conjugated linoleic acid and omega three polyunsaturated fats in organic cow's milk compared with regular milk.³, ⁵

You may have noticed that there are multiple organic foods on the shelves of your favorite grocery store. As registered dietitians, we often educate our patients to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Produce, as well as meats, canned goods, milk, and even chocolate, may now have an organic alternative. Farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water in the production of organic foods. This will enhance the environment for all future generations.³ The best way to gauge whether a food is organically grown is to look for the USDA organic label, which tells you that the food is 95% organic.⁴

In the United States, the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 established national standards for organically grown foods. The final ruling went into effect in October 2002. Organic foods cannot be irradiated, genetically engineered, or fertilized with sewage sludge.³, ⁴, ⁶ Government-approved certifiers inspect organic farms and food companies for compliance to these standards. The USDA places a label on the food to assist consumers, with the assurance that the product they are purchasing is at least 95% organic.³, ⁴, ⁵, ⁶

The United States organic industry is one of the fastest-growing categories in the food business. Sales of organic foods are increasing, and are projected to double by the year 2009.⁷ The largest segment of organic consumers is part of the “baby-boomer” generation.⁶ China is on the rise to becoming the leader in the organic industry.⁵ The cost of organic food has risen as the demand increases. Organic foods cost, on average, 50% more than their regular alternatives, due to production costs.⁶ Organically raised animals are not given antibiotics, and must have access to the outdoors, fresh water, air, and pasture.² Organic fruits and vegetables carry increased costs due to the nonsynthetic pest controls used.⁶ Products are often more labor-intensive, and the farmers do not receive most of the subsidies that larger companies in agricultural businesses can obtain.³, ⁶

Fruits and vegetables account for the largest portion of organic sales, at 42% according to the Organic Trade Association Manufacturer Survey.⁸ As dietitians, we have many gold standards for clinical practice, and in the organic industry, the gold standard is to buy locally grown organic products.⁵ Local farmers often do not charge a premium on their products.

The FDA regulates organic foods. They are subject to recalls when there is a risk of harming the public. For example, organic spinach was recalled in September 2006 due to E. coli bacteria, and chocolate bars were recalled in December 2007 for containing undeclared milk and tree nuts, and were associated with allergic reactions in consumers.⁹

The Organic Trade Association is the voice of the organic industry in North America. Its mission is to promote and protect organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, public, and the economy. It monitors the work of government agencies, takes positions on legislation that affects organic agriculture and products, and represents the industry to regulators, elected officials, and international bodies.⁸ It is also the founder of a large trade show focusing on products and trade issues. It supports scientific research. There is a certified organic food directory listing certified growers, manufacturers, distributors, and certifying agents.⁸

The Hunger and Environmental Dietetic Practice Group (www.HENdpg/org) of the American Dietetic Association has a mission to lead the future in sustainable and accessible food and water systems through dietetic education, research, and action. Their vision states that Hunger and Environmental Nutrition members are the most valued source of nutrition services to promote access to nutritious food and clean water from secure and sustainable environments.³

This group produced a document in June 2006 (revised in April 2007) to assist dietitians with knowledge regarding organic foods, with the following evidenced-based fact.

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Benefits of Organic Farming to the Environment 

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Benefits of Organic Farming to the Farmer 

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Benefits of Organic Farming to the Consumer 

Some substances that are used in organic crop production may include copper sulfate, vitamins, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium phosphates, and iron.⁴ The exact content of these substances in organic foods is not known, but renal dietitians should investigate these foods as a potential source.

Some practical suggestions to provide to patients to decrease their risk for increased pesticides in vegetables and fruits are to:

It is beneficial to remove the outer layers of fruits and vegetables, and to trim fat from meats. The priority in an organic budget should be produce, because regular produce usually contains the most pesticides. Table 1 provides the pesticide residue contents in some fruits and vegetables. It is organized in terms of highest and lowest content of pesticide residue content.⁵, ⁶

Table 1. Pesticide Content

As always, we need to consider all food sources when interviewing and educating our patients on the importance of label-reading. It is important for us to assist in decreasing the risk of using any food sources that may be contaminated, and to continue educating patients about food safety.

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References 

1. Webster's Dictionary: Available at www.merriam-webster.com.
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2. Palmer S. Organic beef—natural meat steaks its claim. Todays Dietitian. 2006;7:30
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3. Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Dietary Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association: Available at www.HENdpg.org.
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4. United States Department of Agriculture: Available at www.ams.udsa.gov.
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5. Bareuther C. Mission Organic 2010: healthy people, healthy planet. Todays Dietitian. 2008;10:30
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6. Brannon C. Organics: separating science fiction from fact. Today's Dietician. 2008;10:10
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7. Palmer S. Organic, local and beyond. Todays Dietitian. 2008;9:44
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8. Organic Trade Association: Available at www.ota.com.
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9. United States Food and Drug Association: Available at www.fda.gov.
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