Nutrition

The Truth Behind Organic Food Safety

January 25, 2010
By Kristel Caldoron

Over the years, there has been research done on many foods and their link with our health. This is one of the reasons why the demand for safe, high-quality and healthy foods are greater than before. People get paranoid when they hear stories about certain foods being linked to a cancer or health disease. There are also people who also question the safety of organic foods.

Some skeptics are asking whether there is any real difference between organic and non-organic foods. To guarantee something as being organic in the United States, certain standards have been put in place by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These standards must be met by food – be it plant produce, meat or poultry – labeled as “organic”. Organically grown foods, therefore, that are sold in stores and groceries in the U.S.A. must have the USDA Organic Seal.

Of course, we can’t always be too sure if people really are following that strictly implemented rule. So you may be wondering in what other ways we can determine organic food safety. We already know that organically grown foods are those grown without pesticides, artificial fertilizers, insecticides and other synthetic chemicals. But even organic farmers have admitted to using some fertilizers and herbicides sparingly. They use these chemicals as their second line of defense.

As consumers, we actually have the right to inspect, investigate even, the foods we put on our table. If we are pro organic, it wouldn’t hurt to delve deeper as far as the source of these organic foods go. Some other factors which determine organic food safety are the following: 1) if the food is grown in soil whose humus content is increased through the addition of organic materials, 2) if the mineral content of the soil where the food is grown was increased through the aid of natural mineral fertilizers.

Recycling is also a determining aspect which ensures organic food safety. How you may ask? Waste and recycling returns vital nutrients to the soil thereby making the soil healthier the natural way. Providing attentive care to farm animals and avoiding the uses of synthetic additives are also ways to guarantee the safety of foods which are organic.

Asking never hurts. If you’re unsure of the organic product you’re buying, don’t hesitate to ask. After all, the health and well-being of you and your family is on the line here.

Kristel Caldoron has been writing articles online for about 3 years. Come visit her latest website about men’s raincoat and London fog raincoats.

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