1. The Organic vs.
Conventional Foods
Debate
Understanding Food Marketing Terms
Natural: no formal FDA definition; may be used if the
product does not contain added color, artificial substances
or synthetic substances
Whole: no regulatory definition of whole foods
Organic: defined and inspected by USDA; forbid the use of
synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, sewage sludge, irradiation,
and genetic engineering. Animals must have access to the
outdoors, no growth hormones, no antibiotics, or other
drugs. All feed must be 100% organic and free of any
animal by products. Additional standards for handling and
processing apply.
100% Organic = completely organic or made only of organic
ingredients
Organic = at least 95% of the ingredients qualify
Made with Organic Ingredients = at least 70%ingredients
are certified organic
Are Organic Foods Healthier?
“At this point there’s no conclusive scientific evidence that
shows that organically produced foods are healthier”
-­‐‑Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
But…
Analytical studies comparing the nutrient content of plants is
complicated
AND…
it’s not just a question about the nutrient content
• Healthier soils grow healthier foods which make for
healthy people
• antibiotic resistant bacterial infections from unnecessary
antibiotic use in animals
• may mean less energy and fewer green house gas
emissions
1
The Dirty Dozen
Apples
Celery
Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Grapes
Hot Peppers
Nectarines
Peaches
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Bell Peppers
2
Clean 15
Asparagus Avocados
Cabbage Cantaloupe
Sweet Corn Eggplant
Grapefruit Kiwi
Mangos Mushrooms
Onions Papayas
Pineapples Sweet Peas (frozen)
Sweet Potatoes
Organic Food is 20-­‐‑100% more expensive
• no herbicides/pesticides = more crop loss & less yield
• higher labor costs for weeding & pest control
• more expensive animal feed
• fee for organic certification
Tips to save $$ when buying organic
1. Buy in season
2. Farmers markets, CSA, coops
3. Shop at stores that specialize in organic
4. Use coupons, buy in bulk & shop sales
5. Utilize private label brands