Organic Food FAQ’s

Guest Author: Susan Hurd, Registered and Licensed Dietitian

You’ve made a decision to choose more organic foods. That’s a great step toward a healthier lifestyle, but do you truly understand what the word organic means when it comes to the food we eat?

What does organic actually mean?

USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) regulates organic production, certification, compliance and labeling in the US. According to the USDA, organically produced products “foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity”. Items produced using synthetic fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge or genetic engineering will not qualify under the organic regulations.

Additionally, organic crops must also not be exposed to prohibited pesticides. Livestock must be free of antibiotics and growth hormones. Animals must also be fed a 100% organic diet and have access to the outdoors. A product must contain 95% organic content in order to possess the NOP’s organic seal. Foods with multiple ingredients using the USDA organic seal are guaranteed organic certified.

Are organic foods better for me?

Organic production does not improve the nutrition quality of a food. It does, however, ensure that your exposure to pesticide residue, GMO’s and irradiation is minimized, that animals are treated humanely and that the environment is protected as best possible.

Organic foods are so expensive. Is there a way to eat organic food under a budget?

Certainly! A troublesome nutrition dilemma facing Americans is over consumption of highly processed, nutrient deficient foods. Couple this with a low intake of nutrient-rich basic foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins, and many Americans consume some of the unhealthiest diets in the world. The first step to achieving a more healthful balance is to slowly include affordable, nutrient-rich foods into your day. This might mean choosing non-organic fruits and veggies at first, in an effort to fit good foods into your budget. As time progresses, add a few organic items each week. A cost-effective way to incorporate organic produce into your diet is to choose more expensive organic varieties that are eaten whole such as apples, berries and greens. Choose less costly non-organic fruits and veggies with a thick skin such as pineapple, bananas, and onions. By removing the thick peel, you can reduce your exposure to the pesticide residue found within the peel.

I try to buy foods that are labeled natural or grass-fed. Are they also organic?

Foods labeled with terms such as natural, no added hormones, cage free, or grass-fed are not necessarily organic. Only foods that meet the NOP’s organic requirements can be labeled organic. Refer to the USDA’s National Organic Program for definitions of other voluntary labels.

Source: USDA National Organic Program, www.ams.usda.gov/nop/

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